Visit to Our Lady of Antwerp Cathedral

Onze Lieve Vrouw, or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp, is a must-see in the city. Located in the heart of the historic centre, close to the Grand-Place, it is an impressive building that has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Built between 1352 and 1521 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its Gothic architecture stands out. The cathedral was originally a Romanesque church built in 1124, also dedicated to the Virgin Mary. At the time, the building site was marshy, so the architects had the idea of stabilising the foundations using cow skins. Thousands of stones were brought to Antwerp by water from the river Scheldt.

During your visit, you will see the heart and the five naves of the cathedral. Built over several centuries, the naves date back to 1352, while the towers were built in 1508 and 1518, over 156 years later. A huge construction project, the cathedral, which was then the largest in the Netherlands, before Belgium was created to form a buffer state between France and Holland, was completed in 1521 after more than 170 years in the making. Charles V planned to triple the size of the church, but in 1533 a fire destroyed the ceiling and furnishings, putting an end to his project. It was not until 1599 that the church became a cathedral following the establishment of the diocese of Antwerp.

History and time have had an impact on the cathedral, which has been looted and damaged on several occasions. First, in the 16th century, it was plundered by Protestant Calvinists opposed to Catholicism and was on the verge of being destroyed, but was saved at the last minute. It was then the turn of French revolutionaries at the end of the 18th century to seize numerous paintings, taking with them works by Rubens and furniture. It was not until 2009 that these paintings were finally returned.

This cathedral is a real architectural feat and contains some magnificent works of art. Sculptures and paintings are carefully preserved. Created in the Brabantine Gothic style and in the shape of a Latin cross, the most impressive exterior feature is the 123-metre-high north tower. It bears a striking resemblance to the cathedral of Saint Michelle and Gudule in Brussels.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp is a museum in itself. It features four magnificent works by Peter Paul Rubens, all with religious symbolism, such as "The Descent from the Cross" and "The Resurrection of Christ", painted specially to adorn the cathedral. The former chapel, which is now the entrance to the building, also contains 15th-century murals. In addition to these magnificent paintings, you can admire religious sculptures including "The Virgin and Child", sumptuously carved in Carrara marble and believed to have been made around 1350.

So if you're exploring the beautiful port city of Antwerp, it's almost unthinkable not to stop off at this most impressive of buildings, home to a number of masterpieces. In summer, during July and August, the city's carillonneurs give concerts from the cathedral's highest tower. This is always an event that draws large crowds into the city.

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As well as visiting the cathedral, you can even enjoy a drink in the former St John's chapel, which has been transformed into a small bistro. Follow the arrows to "De plek", where you can have a drink and a snack. You'll even have the chance to try a beer from the cathedral! Yes, you're not in Belgium for nothing!