The cathedral holds a 19th-century white marble statue of 'The Virgin and Child' by Artus Quellinus the Elder.
Its construction was never fully completed; the intended second tower was abandoned during the 16th century.
The cathedral's carillon consists of 49 bells and is part of the UNESCO-recognized Belfries of Belgium and France.
The floor of the cathedral features a labyrinth design laid in marble.
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, was a member of the Brotherhood of Our Lady, which was based at the cathedral.
The spire was once used as a landmark by sailors entering the Scheldt river.
During the iconoclastic fury of 1566, much of the original medieval interior decoration was destroyed.
The cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1352, but the architect Jan Appelmans died before seeing the vaulting completed.
The Cathedral of Our Lady is a Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium, whose construction began in 1352 and spanned nearly 170 years. It houses four significant altarpieces by the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, including 'The Elevation of the Cross' and 'The Descent from the Cross'. The building is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its belfry and architectural significance. It serves as the cathedral of the Diocese of Antwerp and remains the largest Gothic church in the Benelux region. The tower reaches a height of 123 meters, making it the tallest church tower in the Low Countries. The cathedral's interior underwent extensive restoration following the iconoclasm of the 16th century and subsequent French revolutionary looting. Visitors can observe a diverse collection of religious art, including works by Otto van Veen and Jacob de Backer. The structure is characterized by its seven-aisled nave, a unique feature among similar Northern European cathedrals.
The view from the corner of the Handschoenmarkt provides the best perspective of the spire's intricate Gothic details.
Visit the side chapels to view the Rubens paintings in better lighting and fewer crowds.
Check the cathedral website for specific dates when the carillon is played, as it offers a distinct auditory experience.
Allocate time to walk around the exterior to view the contrasting architecture of the North and South towers.
Do not mistake the smaller St. James's Church for the cathedral; the cathedral is the one with the single, massive tower on the square.
The cathedral is closed to tourism on Sunday mornings for religious services.
Respectful attire is requested; shoulders and knees should be covered. Refrain from using flash photography or speaking loudly.
