Antwerp Cathedral - Antwerp, Belgium (original) (raw)
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The towering Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) in Antwerp is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the largest church in Benelux. Antwerp Cathedral also shelters four magnificent Rubens altarpieces.
History of Antwerp Cathedral
Begun in 1352 and completed by around 1520, the Cathedral of Our Lady stands on the site of a 10th-century chapel dedicated to the Virgin and a subsequent Romanesque church.
The history of Antwerp's cathedral is turbulent to say the least. It includes:
What to See at Antwerp Cathedral
The Gothic cathedral of Antwerp has seven aisles and 125 pillars. Of the planned five towers, only one was completed. But that tower is the tallest church spire in the Low Countries at 123m (403 ft.) high, and the fact that the designers planned to construct five of them is a powerful illustration of the wealth and power of medieval Antwerp.
Antwerp Cathedral's interior is an impressive sight, with sweeping Gothic lines and soaring vaults, all in gleaming white. The furnishings are a mix of Baroque and Neoclasssical styles. The cathedral houses four Rubens altarpieces:
Nicolas Rombouts' Last Supper (1503) stained-glass window, is also outstanding. Among many other notable works of art is a superb Madonna and Child (ca. 1350) in Carrrara marble, by the anonymous "Master of the Maasland Marble Madonnas."
Quick Facts on Antwerp Cathedral
| Site Information | |
|---|---|
| Names: | Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal · Antwerp Cathedral · Cathedral of Our Lady |
| Country: | Belgium |
| Categories: | cathedrals |
| Styles: | Gothic |
| Dates: | 1352-1520 |
| Visitor and Contact Information | |
| Coordinates: | 51.220291° N, 4.401505° E |
| Address: | Antwerp, Belgium |
| Lodging: | View hotels near Antwerp Cathedral |
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.
References
- Frommer's Brussels and Bruges with Ghent and Antwerp, 2nd ed.
- Cathedral of Our Lady - City of Antwerp
- De Kathedraal - official website
More Information
- Photos of Antwerp Cathedral - here on Sacred Destinations
Map of Antwerp Cathedral
Below is a location map and aerial view of Antwerp Cathedral. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.