Antwerpen Travel Guide

The Cathedral of Our Lady is Belgium's largest Gothic church, begun in 1352 and taking about 170 years to reach its present form. Its 123-metre tower — the tallest church spire in the Low Countries — anchors the UNESCO-listed skyline of Antwerp and never leaves the city's horizon. Inside hang Rubens's towering masterpieces The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross, alongside the Assumption triptych, their Baroque glow filling the dim nave. On the square outside stands the bronze of Nello and Patrasche from A Dog of Flanders, drawing misty-eyed readers from around the world. Climb the tower for red rooftops and the Scheldt — the perfect start to understanding Antwerp's history and faith.

The Cathedral of Our Lady is Belgium's tallest Gothic church; its main spire reaches about 123 m and, begun in 1352 and finished nearly two centuries later, it stands as the symbol of Antwerp, the city of diamonds and art. It is famed for several monumental works by Peter Paul Rubens—'The Raising of the Cross', 'The Descent from the Cross' and 'The Assumption'—whose Baroque drama converses powerfully with the Gothic volume. The lofty nave, intricate carved pulpit and stained glass create a solemn yet sumptuous sacred atmosphere. Climbing the tower rewards visitors with the Antwerp skyline—a must for art and architecture lovers.

The Rubenshuis is the mansion and studio that Peter Paul Rubens, the Baroque master, bought and personally remodeled around 1610; today it is a museum. The architecture blends Italian Renaissance with Antwerp vernacular—courtyard, colonnade and garden loggia revealing the master's taste. Inside are paintings, drawings, furniture and curios by Rubens and his pupils, evoking the glory of 17th-century Flemish painting. Wandering the very studio and garden where the master worked, visitors feel the living breath of Baroque art and the afterglow of Antwerp's Golden Age.

Grote Markt, located in MECHELEN, 比利时, is among the city's most visited attractions.

Het Steen, located in ANTWERP, 比利时, is among the city's most visited attractions.

Meir, located in ANTWERP, 比利时, is among the city's most visited attractions.