Vogelenzang Cemetery Brussels
Anderlecht's re-burial park
Quiz question: ‘What’s the name of the only Belgian victim of the 9/11 attacks in 2001?’
‘Patrice Braut?’
‘Correct! And for a bonus point: where is he buried?’
‘The Vogelenzang Cemetery in Anderlecht?’
‘Wrong! There you find his cenotaph!’
I’m mad about cemeteries. The Anderlecht municipal Vogelenzang Cemetery is one of my funerary favorites in Brussels (also check my Cemetery of Dieweg and Cemetery of Brussels articles). Why? Three reasons.
One: its eerie history. The Vogelenzang Cemetery opened for customers in the 1950s, but it has more than a 1000 graves from the 2nd half of the 19th and 1st half of the 20th century. How is this possible? These gravestones and the coffins were actually transferred from the old municipal cemetery 5 km away, which became today's Bospark. Locals call it ‘skeleton park’ because some bodily remains, well, remained. Find out more in the superb podcast ‘Ondergrond’ by Rina Govers.
Two: its natural environment. Located in the protected Vogelenzang valley reserve, the huge 19-hectare cemetery and its surroundings make for a perfect peaceful walk in nature. You’ll only be bothered by ‘vogelenzang’ (EN: ‘birdsong’).
Three: its testimony to Belgium’s best football club: RSC Anderlecht. Supporters can look for the famous Vanden Stock family grave or for the encased camera of the mythical house photographer ‘Jeanke Photo’ (1927-2006).
And Patrice Braut? He grew up next to Anderlecht’s stadium (check the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium article). You’ll easily recognize the Twin Towers miniature model on his ‘empty’ memorial stone. Indeed, that’s called a cenotaph!
Find your way with 292 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Brussels
Iyagi
Authentic Korean takeaway
From side dishes like dumplings to main dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi, all are served with freshly cooked vegetables, steamed rice & homemade sauces.
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Tokidoki
Japan in Belgium
Do you just want everyday dishes that you would eat at home in Japan? Then "Tokidoki" in Brussels is what you are looking for. No sushi or noodles here!
by
William
Mertens
Tero
Small plates to share
"Tero" in Brussels is so much more than a restaurant - it's a philosophy. It offers tasty, natural cuisine that follows the seasons!
by
William
Mertens
Certo
Hungry and thirsty
"Certo" in Brussels is a tiny Italian restaurant on a corner just behind Place Saint Boniface and one of my favorites. Federico Mazzoni is the perfect host!
by
William
Mertens
Les Petits Bouchons
Zwanze kitchen
"Les Petits Bouchons" is a typical Brussels bistro with a lot of wood, some mirrors and old-skool lighting. Zwanzers love it!
by
William
Mertens
Rambo
LA-style smashed burgers
"Rambo" in Brussels will make you feel like you're in LA. Loud music, an open kitchen and three amazing types of burgers!
by
William
Mertens
Belga & Co
Coffee roasters
"Belga & Co" in Brussels is one of the city's great coffee places. Everything made in-house, friendly service, big window, no frills - just good coffee.
by
William
Mertens
Glacier Zizi
Best ice cream in Brussels
Even though it's a little out of the route for most, Glacier Zizi is definitely worth the detour! Ice cream, waffles, crêpes, smoothies... Your pick!
by
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
BATCH
Brunch and small plates to share
A simple but still refined style characterizes this café, which at night becomes a warm wine bar with small plates to share.
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Heading to Brussels?
292 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Brussels?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 292 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Brussels
Get to know our other Spotters from Brussels
As featured on:
