Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp with Tallest Belfry of Belgium
Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp was high in our list of sights to see during the self planned, self guided walking tour of Antwerp with books and maps.
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
Just see the impressive facade of Cathedral of Our (Dear) Lady in Antwerp! It is locally called Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal. This cathedral is the largest one in Belgium, covering an area of 2.5 acres.
Its belfry is the tallest church tower in whole of Belgium and is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The tower is 403ft tall, carillon in the belfry has 49 bells. This North tower, a landmark in Antwerp, is cherished by all its citizens.
So famed it is, that there are songs written about it!
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp Belgium
The planned second tower at the south never came up due to lack of funds. Take a good look at the central doorway to the Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp. Such details!
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp: History
Construction of this cathedral was completed in 1521, 170 years after it was started. It was built on foundations of older Romanesque church. The cathedral has a turbulent past: damaged badly in fire in 1533, then damaged in religious wars, and looted during French Revolution.
When I visited the church part of the interiors was under renovation. The clock on the tower is an addition from the 18th century. Lot of changes and restorations are being done. Future tourists and travelers to Antwerp will definitely benefit from this.
Interior of Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp Tour
What to see in this HUGE Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp! Unless you have unlimited time in hand you have to plan a quick tour of the interior of the cathedral and take care not to miss the highlights of this grand cathedral.
- Exterior of Cathedral is authentic Gothic.
- Much of the interior is 19th century neo-Gothic
- Baroque art, 4 works by local artist Peter Paul Rubens
- Paintings, Works of Art, Organ, Crypt and Tower
Masterpieces by Rubens
Several paintings by local artist Rubens is on display in the interior of the cathedral. It is hard to rush by these amazing works of art.
Watch out for
- The Elevation of the Cross (triptych 1609 – 1610)
- The Descent from the Cross (triptych 1612)
- The Ressuruction of Christ (triptych 1612)
- The Assumption of Mary (altarpiece 1612)
Ruben triptych Antwerp
Timings of the Cathedral
Antwerp Cathedral is open from 10am to 5pm on week days. Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, and on Sunday and public holidays from 1 to 4 pm. It is closed to public when used for funerals and weddings. So check dates before planning the visit. You can purchase online tickets for admission to the cathedral.
Read more: Best Places to Visit in Belgium
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(This post was first published on Jun 7, 2012.)
what a beautiful cathedral!!!
Wonderful views of the cathedral!
Amazing shot, beutiful cathedral!
majestic …
Another beauty!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
This one is awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Indrani, it is a beautiful cathedral. The tower is gorgeous. It is wonderful that the restorations are taking place now. Great captures, happy skywatching!
I love the angle of the second shot.!
Here's my Skyshots.
it's magnificent! great photos.
What a beautiful cathedral. I really like the perspective of your second photo.
Beautiful shots of the cathedral against the blue sky.
beautifully captured
Beautiful cathedral.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Amazing shots. What a gorgeous cathedral.
What a magnificent shot of a magnificent cathedral. You have talent! Sunny109
Beautiful captures of this magnificent building, Indrani.
Hi Indrani! You gave a beautiful description of this magnificent cathedral! Thank you for sharing.
Breathtaking captures of an incredible place, Indrani, and one with an incredible history to match! Superb captures and composition! The lovely skies are the perfect backdrop! Have a beautiful weekend!
Sylvia
Good compositions and nice light.
as usual good photo's Indrani.
Such soaring beauty touching those lovely skies.