Visit to St. Carolus Borromeo Church in Antwerp Belgium
The old town of Antwerp has several architectural gems studded along its criss-crossing lanes around Grote Market. We toured through several of them. The St. Carolus Borromeo Church was one of them.
There are several Antwerp churches, some of them charge for entry to them. Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp may be the largest of all but this St. Carolus Borromeo Church is free to enter and most beautiful of all. Go ahead and add this to your itinerary of things to do in Antwerp.
Several free walking tours around this old town of Antwerp has listed this. It is closed for lunch break, so check out timings before you plan your visit.
Why Carolus Borromeo Church was built
Visit to Carolus Borromeo Church
Why Carolus Borromeus Church was built?
The main reason for constructing this church was to get People Back to Church.
This was built by the Jesuits from 1615 until 1621. To fully understand the significance and making of Carolus Borromeus Church, one has to know the historical context of the period when it was built.
Antwerp had just been secured by the Crown within its possessions after the siege of 1589. All the Protestants had been forced out.
At the same time, the recognition of independence of United Provinces of Netherlands led to closure of Scheldt to commerce. Sadly this resulted in end of Antwerp’s economic prosperity.
It was in this period of crisis and religion wars the new eye-catching building, Carolus Borromeus Church, was erected. It was a sign of vigor of Catholic Church as opposed to Calvinism.
The prestigious project had just one purpose; to get people back to church.
St. Carolus Borromeus Church Interior
Carolus Borromeus Church Interior
Fire, the cause of several destruction, did not spare this church!
This church had several beautiful and precious paintings. Unfortunately those got destroyed in a major fire in 1718, after it was struck by lightning.
Imagine the loss of 39 ceiling paintings by Rubens!
St Carolus Borromeo Church Antwerp Belgium
The central painting that you can see above the main altar is changed from time to time. 4 altar paintings are changed seasonally. All this was done so that the congregation didn’t get bored!
It is a major event in Antwerp, another reason to time and plan your visit. It is said the mechanism with which it is done today is the same original one and is still working well, though I could not witness the changing procedure.
The new interiors have beautiful wood carvings and sculptures. Eight confessional boxes are built in the paneling of the side walls. The confessing chairs I saw here are some of the finest ones, very unique, proof of this church’s former glory!
Carolus Borromeus Church Interior
Travel tips to Visit the Church
- Early morning visit will reward with glorious captures of its facades as it reflects rising sun’s rays.
- Plan your visit to witness the change of altar painting that is done seasonally.
- Closed for lunch and closed on Sundays.
- Opening hours Mon to Sat are: 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5pm.
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Superb snaps..!
Great pictures, very pretty church.
Ceiling is beautiful!
Those carvings are quite incredible. Thanks for adding the history, it makes the photos so much more interesting.
The idea they can change the artwork is amazing. You have to wonder how they do it. The wooden carvings/sculptures are beautiful. Such an impressive piece of architecture. genie
Of course I know this church, but never interested in its history ! I have to go to India to learn more about it, lol !
Lovely Church. I am just imagining about the people, who flocked to those places and prayed.
The country is full of enthusiasm to preserve its best places. Great indeed.
Lovely shots ! Thanks for sharing.
Magnificent church, great details in your pictures Indrani!
i love how the ceiling's gilded in its finest details esp. the last piece where you focus on its craftsmanship.
just beautiful. ^0^
Context counts. This art is rich in passion!
Antwerp is wonderful. Lovely captures of this magnificent church, Indrani.
Stunning interior!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Great images .
really fascinating
Fascinating.
Churches have always fascinated me. You have captured the images beautifully. Congratulations on the exhibition Indrani! way to go!!
Wow – fabulous interiors!
What a marvelous building. The interior is magnificent.
A joy to see these images! So beautiful!
exquisite work beautifully captured
Beautiful.
love the history and the photos Indrani…the detail in the wood carving is amazing and I wonder how they change the ceiling..it is a mystery!
A magnificent church and terrific captures as always! The art work is beautiful! And, as I tell you every week, I do love the history that you include, Indrani, it's fascinating and makes your photos even more interesting! Hope you have a great week!
Sylvia
Excellent shots of the beautiful church and its art. Fascinating information too.
Such opulent,extravagant & ornate interiors ! Amazing !
Beautiful works. Nice shots.
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