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Church · Antuérpia, Antuérpia
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
Gothic cathedral with a 123-meter tower, the tallest church in the Netherlands and Belgium, and four paintings by Rubens inside, including The Descent from the Cross.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
The Cathedral of Our Lady dominates Antwerp's center. Work began in 1352 and the first phase was completed in 1521. The second tower was never finished: the project was abandoned after a fire in 1533. That is why the façade has one tall tower and another cut off halfway.
The north tower is 123 metres high and is the tallest church tower in the Benelux. It is part of the group of bell towers in Belgium and France inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
The main reason to visit is inside. The cathedral houses four paintings by Pieter Paul Rubens: The Elevation of the Cross, from 1610–1611; the triptych The Descent from the Cross, from 1612–1614; The Assumption of the Virgin, from 1626, at the high altar; and The Resurrection of Christ. Seeing these works in the place for which they were made is different from seeing them in a museum.
The interior has seven aisles, stained glass, a carved Baroque pulpit and several side chapels. The church is still used for masses, so some areas may be restricted during services.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on interest in the paintings.
Best time
Right at opening in the morning there are fewer groups. Avoid Sunday morning, when there are masses and tourist visits are limited. Check opening days and times before you go.
How to get there
It is about 150 metres from the Grote Markt, at the end of Maalderijstraat, next to Handschoenmarkt square. From Antwerpen-Centraal station it's about 25 minutes on foot or a few minutes by premetro to Groenplaats, which is adjacent.
Tip
The tourist visit is paid. Allow time for The Descent from the Cross in the south transept. Outside, Groenplaats square offers a wide view of the tower. In Handschoenmarkt there is a well with ironwork attributed to the painter Quinten Matsys.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
Which works by Rubens are in the cathedral?
The Elevation of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Assumption of the Virgin and The Resurrection of Christ.
Why does the cathedral have only one complete tower?
The second tower was never completed. The project was abandoned after the fire of 1533.
Can I visit during Mass?
During services the tourist visit is restricted. Prefer weekdays and confirm visiting times before you go.