Antwerp's Historical Churches Tour (Self Guided), Antwerp

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.

Saint Paul's Church in Antwerp is a remarkable architectural and artistic treasure combining Gothic and Baroque elements. Established in 1548 and completed in 1571, the church originally served the Our Lady of the Rosary fraternity. Its construction spans periods of religious and political turmoil, including Calvinist control in 1578, which led to the expulsion of the Dominicans and the repurposing of the church for secular uses such as cannon foundry.

The building was severely damaged during the siege of Antwerp in 1584 but was later reclaimed and refurbished by the Dominicans after 1585, including extensive Baroque renovations and rebuilding efforts that continued until 1662. A devastating fire in 1679 and subsequent French occupation in 1796 led to further changes and restoration, with the church enduring more damage during the Dutch bombardment of 1830 and another fire in 1968. Restoration efforts have been ongoing to preserve its rich historical legacy.

The church's exterior is defined by the Brabantine Gothic style, characterized by austere architecture with minimal decoration—a common feature in mendicant orders' churches. The tower, rebuilt in the late 17th century, features a Baroque top, and the Baroque portal from 1734 adds a significant historical layer.

The interior of the church is notable for its use of brick walls and Ledian sandstone for the structural components and is lavishly decorated in the Flemish Baroque style. It houses an impressive array of art by leading Antwerp artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Jacob Jordaens, among others. The church's interior also features extensive Baroque sculpture and church furniture crafted by prominent Antwerp sculptors like Artus Quellinus the Elder and Pieter Verbrugghen I.

A standout feature outside the church is the Calvary, an elaborate ensemble of 63 life-size statues and nine reliefs, depicting scenes in a dramatic and accessible style. Inside, the church boasts the most impressive collection of Baroque confessionals in Belgium, conceived as integral parts of the church's architecture, rather than mere pieces of furniture.

Saint Paul's Church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a museum of religious art and Baroque craftsmanship, reflecting the tumultuous history and rich cultural heritage of Antwerp.

The Spanish invasion of 1584 brought in a wave of forced Catholicism to Antwerp. Protestants either left the city or were converted to Catholicism. The Jesuits decided to counter this reformation and François d'Aguilon, a Jesuit mathematician began work on a Baroque styled church. Similar to the Chiesa del Gesù in Rome, this new church in Antwerp was completed in 1621 and was called the Ignatius Church. Much of the interiors including many ceiling paintings were completed by the local artist, P.P.Rubens. A unique feature of the Church is the mechanism to change the painting at the altar.

The Fire of 1718 destroyed most of Rubens’ work but the mechanism to change paintings survives to this day. The structure became a Parish Church in 1803 when it was given its current name. Today, it stands neatly tucked away behind some modern buildings at the Hendrik Conscience Square. Several protests during the 1960s and 70s have made this area a pedestrian zone which gives the area its instantly appreciated serenity. During your walk to the Church you might come across the soothing notes of violin being played to make your visit very special. We request you to please check the open hours of the Church before visiting. The Artist’s mass on Sundays and other holidays should not be missed.

Saint James' Church in Antwerp is a historical architectural gem renowned for its Brabantine Gothic style. Originally established on the site of a hostel for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela, the church began as a chapel in 1431, serving as a pivotal stop for those on their way to the burial place of Saint James the Great. The chapel was transformed into a parish church in 1476 to meet expanding religious and communal demands, leading to the construction of a larger building in 1491. Although it took 165 years to finish, the church retained its Gothic style, even though Baroque architecture became popular by its completion in 1656.

The interior of Saint James' Church is adorned in Baroque style, a transformation largely preserved due to the strategic actions of a priest during the French revolutionary invasion, saving it from plunder. The church houses exquisite Baroque elements such as the intricately carved wooden choir stalls, the lavish main altar, and the finely crafted communion rails. The central pulpit, completed in 1675 by Lodewijk Willemsens, adds to the church’s rich Baroque character.

Saint James' Church also played an important musical role; its organs attracted numerous renowned musicians, including Henry Bredemers. The grand organ, built in 1884 by Anneesens in a Romantic style, and the choir organ from 1727 by J.B. Forceville, still maintain their original mechanical action.

The church is notably the final resting place of several of Antwerp's elite, including the illustrious painter Peter Paul Rubens, whose tomb features a painting by Rubens himself, completed five years posthumously in 1640. Today, Saint James' Church stands as a monument to Antwerp's historical, artistic, and architectural heritage, attracting visitors not only for its religious significance but also for its cultural and historical riches, preserving over 1300 graves and the memories of more than 4500 individuals.

Antwerp is filled with historical and architectural delights, some quite prominent while others that go unnoticed by many and the Beguinage is one such historical site.

Secluded from the relatively urban area, the Beguinage is a welcoming sight for those who admire vintage architecture and love history. Enclosed within tall, bricked, windowless walls, the clustered housing complex of the 16th century transports its visitor to the medieval era. Today these isolated structures, reminisce the tale of the land and keep alive the memory of the much forgotten Beguines.

The Beguines were a group of religious women who followed the disciplined lives of the nuns without taking a formal oath or vow. However, unlike nuns, a Beguine had the freedom to leave the institution whenever she liked. This was a very popular cult during the 12th century especially amongst the Low Countries, which includes modern day countries of Belgium, Netherlands, parts of Germany and France.

The Beguinage in Antwerp was founded around 1240 and was situated outside the walls of the city. Due to constant attacks by plunderers, the Beguinage was shifted within the city limits of Antwerp. Today, all the Beguinages around the world are preserved as ‘Heritage Site’s by the UNESCO.

Saint Andrew's Church in Antwerp is a Catholic parish church known for its rich historical tapestry and architectural beauty, bridging late-Gothic exteriors with a Baroque interior. The church's foundation dates back to the 16th century, beginning with Augustine friars who established a convent and chapel on the site in 1513. The transition to a parish church occurred in 1529 after a tumultuous period involving accusations against the Augustinians of Lutheran sympathies, which led to their loss of the grounds.

The church's early history is marked by adversity, notably during the Beeldenstorm of 1566 when its interiors were ravaged, and subsequent periods of division and reconstruction amidst religious conflicts between Catholics and Calvinists. It was only after the Fall of Antwerp in 1585 that the church returned to Catholic hands, ushering in a new era of decoration by prominent Antwerp artists such as Otto van Veen and members of the Francken family.

The 17th century saw major expansions and renovations to the church, such as a new Baroque tower in 1755 after the original collapsed. This period also added Baroque furniture and artwork from other churches affected by the French Revolution. Despite damage from the Dutch bombardment in 1830 and WWII, the church continued to be restored, including replacing destroyed stained glass windows with new designs to preserve its historical essence.

Inside, Saint Andrew’s houses an array of important religious artifacts and artworks, including a monument to Mary, Queen of Scots, and works by revered painters like Hendrick van Balen and Anthony van Dyck. Its furniture is notably Baroque, crafted by renowned sculptors such as Willem Kerricx, reflecting the artistic wealth amassed after the Beeldenstorm.

Saint Andrew's Church remains a testament to the resilience and cultural heritage of Antwerp, continually adapting and flourishing through each chapter of its storied past.