Attention: since August 1st 2023, the parking policy in the City of Antwerp has changed.

Read more on Parking on the street | Smart ways to Antwerp or Transport in and to Antwerp.

NL | FR | DE

Filters

Close map

Treasuries of art and historical heritage

Sight type:

Treasuries of art and historical heritage

Antwerp has a rich history and this is reflected in, among other things, the many churches in the city. In the historic city centre you will find the five best-known churches in Antwerp. They are all regarded as treasuries of art and historical heritage, which invite you to take a closer look. Do you like art, religion and history? Then it is definitely worth exploring the churches in Antwerp. The churches have all kinds of beautiful things in store for you and they will amaze and surprise you. Which places of worship in Antwerp should not be missed?

What are the most famous churches in Antwerp?
Antwerp has five monumental churches: the Cathedral of Our Lady, St. Andrew’s Church, St. Charles Borromeo Church, St. James’s Church and St. Paul’s Church. They are all within walking distance of each other, right in the heart of the historic city centre. Our Lady’s Cathedral is perhaps the most impressive church of all. The construction of this grand cathedral started in 1350. In this church you stand eye to eye with all kinds of works of art, statues and paintings. It is definitely worthwhile to step inside. St. Charles Borromeo Church, often called ‘the marble temple’ or ‘heaven on earth’, is another church you should not skip.

Why you should visit churches in Antwerp
A visit to one of Antwerp’s churches is highly recommended if you have a penchant for religious history. You will learn more about the religious development that Antwerp has gone through. However, you don’t have to be religious to marvel at this piece of culture. In most churches you can also light a candle for yourself or one of your loved ones. Would you like a more comprehensive perspective on religion in Antwerp? How about a visit to a synagogue or a mosque? In addition to the Catholic and Protestant faiths, Judaism and Islam have also left their traces in Antwerp.

Plan your visit to Antwerp’s churches
Would you like to plan out your visit to the churches in Antwerp? It is always a good idea to gather information beforehand. You can do this easily with the help of our website. You will find all kinds of information about the various churches and we can redirect you to the respective websites to book a ticket or a guided tour. This is advisable, because the monumental churches in Antwerp can be very busy. Nevertheless, it is always worthwhile to make a trip to Antwerp and check out one of the small or large churches. It may not turn you into a believer, but it does teach you respect for all the major world religions.

Read more Read less