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Monument · Antuérpia, Antuérpia
Sint-Annatunnel
572-metre pedestrian and cyclist tunnel under the river Escalda, opened in 1933, with original wooden escalators and entrance buildings in Art Deco style.
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 Sint-Annatunnel
The Sint-Annatunnel links the centre of Antuérpia to the left bank of the Escalda, the Linkeroever neighbourhood, running underneath the river. It is 572 metres long and lies about 31 metres below street level. It was built between 1931 and 1933 and opened with a celebratory walk in September 1933.
The entrance buildings were designed by the city architect Emiel Van Averbeke, in Art Deco style. On the city side, the entrance is on Sint-Jansvliet square. Large lifts and escalators take you down to the bottom, from where the tunnel runs straight under the river.
What draws the most attention are the wooden escalators from the 1930s, among the last of their kind still in use in the world. The steps are solid wood and the descent is slow. The tunnel receives millions of crossings per year from pedestrians and cyclists.
On the other side, in Linkeroever, the riverbank has a promenade with views of the city skyline: the cathedral tower, the Het Steen and the quay sheds. It's the classic spot to photograph Antuérpia head-on.
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
About 30 minutes to cross and return; an hour if you want to walk along the Linkeroever riverbank.
Best time
Late afternoon is good to reach Linkeroever with light on the centre, and at night with the city lit up. The passage is used daily; on some Thursdays the escalators undergo maintenance, and the lift remains in service.
How to get there
The city-side entrance is on Sint-Jansvliet, about 400 metres southwest of the Grote Markt. In Linkeroever, the exit is near the riverbank, a few minutes' walk from the promenade.
Tip
Go down the wooden stairs at least once. On the route between the Grote Markt and the tunnel you can enter the Vlaeykensgang, a 16th-century alley with a narrow entrance from the Oude Koornmarkt, where shoemakers used to live.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sint-Annatunnel
What is the length of the Sint-Annatunnel?
It is 572 meters long, about 31 meters below street level, linking the center to the left bank of the Scheldt.
Are the escalators really made of wood?
Yes. They date from the 1930s and are among the last wooden escalators still in operation in the world. There are also elevators.
Where is the entrance?
On the city-center side, at Sint-Jansvliet square, near the Grote Markt. On the other side, in Linkeroever, near the riverbank.