Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp (must see)

Overlooking the city of Antwerp since the 14th century is the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady, which till date dominates the city’s skyline. Built by architects Jan and Pieter Appelmans, the Cathedral boasts a magnificent Gothic structure with hints of Baroque style complementing the interiors of the building.

Whether you are a history buff or an admirer of architecture, the Cathedral of Our Lady is one structure that has something to offer every visitor. The structure stands as the epitome of the perfect combination of artistic architecture, breathtaking interiors and a dramatic past making it a tantalizing site to visit.

Although the construction of the structure began in 1352, it took more than a century to complete the entire construction. The Cathedral that stands today rests on the same site where once stood a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady. The chapel traced its history to early 10th century and it was subsequently followed by the construction of a Romanesque Church.

The Gothic Cathedral that took its place was considered one of the most magnificent structures of its time and one of the largest cathedrals in the whole of Benelux. However despite all its glories, the Cathedral of Our Lady has faced a very turbulent past. From natural fires to raids, plunders and assault by iconoclasts, the structure has born tremendous damage over the years. But it has stood the test of time and stands proudly today in the city of Antwerp.