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Church · Antuérpia, Antuérpia
Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk
Baroque Jesuit church on Hendrik Conscienceplein, built between 1615 and 1621, with a façade and an altar connected to Rubens.
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-Carolus Borromeuskerk
The Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk was the Jesuits' church in Antuérpia. It was built between 1615 and 1621, inspired by the church of Gesù in Rome, and was the first in the world dedicated to Inácio de Loyola, the order's founder. When the Jesuits were suppressed in 1773, the building was confiscated and became known as São Carlos Borromeu.
Rubens took part in the project. He painted two altarpieces for the altar and designed the 39 ceiling panels, which were executed by the workshop with the help of the young Anthony van Dyck. In 1718, a lightning strike caused a fire that destroyed the nave vault and all the ceiling paintings. The reconstruction, led by Jan Pieter van Baurscheidt the Elder, replaced the panels with wide arches.
From the 17th century remain the Baroque façade facing the square, the altarpieces by Rubens, the pulpit carved by Van Baurscheidt after the fire, and paintings by Gerard Seghers, Daniel Seghers and Cornelis Schut depicting scenes from the life of São Francisco Xavier.
The church closes one side of Hendrik Conscienceplein, a peaceful square named after the Flemish writer Hendrik Conscience. It is one of the calmest corners of the centre, a few minutes from the cathedral.
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 to 45 minutes.
Best time
Visit on a weekday, in the morning or early afternoon, outside Mass and concert times. Confirm the opening time before you go.
How to get there
It's about 350 metres east of the Grote Markt and 300 metres from the cathedral, on foot through the centre's streets. The Snijders&Rockoxhuis is two blocks away on Keizerstraat.
Tip
View the façade from the middle of Hendrik Conscienceplein, from where you can see the whole ensemble. The church and the Snijders&Rockoxhuis are so close you can visit both in the same morning.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk
Did Rubens work at the Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk?
Yes. He painted altarpieces for the altar and designed the ceiling panels, which his workshop executed. The ceiling panels were lost in the 1718 fire.
Why is the church called Saint Charles Borromeo?
It was built by the Jesuits and originally dedicated to Ignatius of Loyola. After the suppression of the order in 1773, the building was confiscated and became known as Saint Charles Borromeo.