Cathedral of Our Lady | Antwerp

Information

Landmark: Cathedral of Our Lady
City: Antwerp
Country: Belgium
Continent: Europe

Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, Belgium, Europe

The Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium. It is a major monument of Brabantine Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visual Characteristics

The cathedral features a massive seven-aisled nave and a 123-meter-tall north tower, which remains the tallest belfry in the Benelux. The exterior is constructed primarily of white Lede stone. The interior is characterized by its vast scale, white-plastered walls, and high ribbed vaulting. It houses several monumental Baroque altarpieces and world-renowned paintings by Peter Paul Rubens.

Location & Access Logistics

The cathedral is located at Handschoenmarkt, 2000 Antwerp, in the center of the historic old town. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers west of Antwerp Central Station. Access is via foot through the pedestrianized Grote Markt area. The nearest tram stops are "Groenplaats" (Lines 3, 4, 5, 9, 15), located 200 meters away. For motorists, the "Parking Groenplaats" is the closest underground facility.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction began in 1352 on the site of a 9th-century chapel and continued for 169 years. While the north tower was completed in 1521, the south tower was never finished due to a lack of funds and a major fire in 1533. The building underwent significant damage during the Iconoclasm (Beeldenstorm) in 1566 and the French Revolutionary period, followed by extensive 19th and 20th-century restorations.

Key Highlights & Activities

The cathedral serves as a gallery for four masterpieces by Rubens: The Elevation of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Resurrection of Christ, and The Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Visitors can observe the 15th-century fresco of The Man of Sorrows and the Schyven organ, which has 5,700 pipes. The tower contains a carillon with 47 bells.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The cathedral includes a reception desk, a dedicated gift shop, and public restrooms for visitors. A bistro, "De Plek," is located within the former chapel area, offering drinks and light meals. The building is equipped with 5G cellular coverage. While the main floor is wheelchair accessible, the narrow historic passages and tower areas are restricted.

Best Time to Visit

Opening hours for tourists are typically Monday to Friday (10:00–17:00), Saturday (10:00–15:00), and Sunday (13:00–17:00). Early morning on weekdays is optimal for avoiding tour groups. The interior lighting is most effective for viewing the Rubens paintings during midday when sunlight is highest.

Facts & Legends

The unfinished south tower is a permanent part of the city's skyline, often used as a historical example of Antwerp’s economic shifts in the 16th century. A popular local legend concerns the "Nello and Patrasche" statue located on the Handschoenmarkt in front of the cathedral, which commemorates the tragic fictional story of a boy and his dog who died inside the cathedral.