The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is a Roman Catholic cathedral that stands as a preeminent example of Brabantine Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1352 and continued in phases over nearly two centuries, resulting in a structure characterized by its massive scale and a singular, soaring north tower that reaches 123 meters, making it the tallest church tower in the Low Countries.
The interior serves as a significant repository of Flemish art, most notably housing four monumental altarpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, including 'The Elevation of the Cross' and 'The Descent from the Cross'. These works, commissioned in the early 17th century, represent the pinnacle of the Flemish Baroque style and remain in their original setting, integrated into the cathedral's liturgical and architectural space.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Ledian stone, Sandstone
- Civilization
- Flemish
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible via designated entrance
- Date(s)
- 1352–1521
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active place of worship
- Original Function
- Catholic Cathedral
- Key Figures
- Peter Paul Rubens, Jan Appelmans, Pieter Appelmans
Foundations and Construction
1352–1521The current structure replaced a smaller Romanesque chapel. Construction was initiated by the architect Jan Appelmans and his son Pieter, following the Brabantine Gothic style. The project was interrupted by financial difficulties and the massive fire of 1533, which halted the completion of the second tower.
Iconoclasm and Restoration
16th centuryDuring the Beeldenstorm (Iconoclastic Fury) of 1566, the cathedral suffered significant damage to its interior, including the destruction of many statues and altarpieces. Subsequent decades saw the interior refurnished in the Baroque style, reflecting the Counter-Reformation spirit.
The Rubens Era
1610–1626The cathedral commissioned Peter Paul Rubens to create several large-scale altarpieces. These works were designed specifically for the cathedral's architecture, cementing the site's status as a center for Baroque artistic production.
Modern Preservation
19th century–presentThe cathedral underwent extensive restoration in the 19th and 20th centuries to repair structural decay and war damage. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France.