DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp)

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
cathedral
—°10
Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)

Weather…

The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is a pinnacle of Brabantine Gothic architecture and the most iconic landmark of the city. Construction on the site began in 1352, replacing an earlier Romanesque church, and continued until 1521. Although two towers were planned, only the North Tower was completed, reaching a height of 123 meters, making it the tallest belfry in the Low Countries and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. The cathedral's interior is a vast seven-aisled space that houses some of the most important works of art in Belgium, including four monumental masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens. Among these are the famous triptychs 'The Elevation of the Cross' and 'The Descent from the Cross,' which were returned to the cathedral after being seized during the Napoleonic era. Despite enduring centuries of religious conflicts, fires, and iconoclasm, the cathedral remains a profound religious and cultural center, functioning as the seat of the Bishop of Antwerp.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3361013171918151173
Rain mm696155385963757955636978

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Cathedral of Our Lady is the landmark of Antwerp and can be visited daily. The interior with the Rubens paintings is open to visitors, and the tower is climbable in good weather.
🕒
Typical hours
The cathedral is usually open from 10:00 to 17:00, with reduced hours on Sundays and holidays. Last entry is typically one hour before closing; changes possible.
📷
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed throughout the cathedral; flash is prohibited to protect the artworks. For professional shoots, permission from the church administration is required.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow at least one to one and a half hours for the interior visit including the Rubens paintings. If you also want to climb the tower, add another 30-45 minutes.
➕
Combine with
The cathedral is in the heart of Antwerp, near the Grote Markt and the Rubenshuis. Combine the visit with a walk along the Scheldt or shopping on the Meir.
🧭
Getting there
The cathedral is a 15-minute walk from Antwerpen-Centraal station. By tram, take line to 'Groenplaats' or 'Meir' stops, both nearby.
💡
Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cathedral's tranquility. Climbing the tower is worth it for a fantastic view over the city.

Geography

Coordinates
51.22030, 4.40030

Facts

  • The cathedral's North Tower stands at a height of 123 meters.
  • Construction commenced in 1352 and concluded in 1521.
  • The interior features four major masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens.
  • The tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
  • The cathedral is unique for its extensive seven-aisled ground plan.
  • The belfry contains a carillon with 47 individual bells.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cathedral of Our LadyCathedral of Our Lady<1 km · EExplore →
Antwerp ZooAntwerp Zoo2 km · EExplore →
Antwerp Port HouseAntwerp Port House2 km · NExplore →
MerksemMerksem4 km · NEExplore →
RivierenhofRivierenhof6 km · EExplore →
Port of Antwerp-BrugesPort of Antwerp-Bruges7 km · NWExplore →
MortselMortsel7 km · SEExplore →
EdegemEdegem9 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (10)

Cathedral of Our Lady

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, Gothic cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium.

Poorterswoning🏛 museum

Museum in Antwerp, Belgium, showcasing the history of city burghers.

Stadhuis Antwerpen

Town hall in Antwerp, Belgium, built in Renaissance style.

Nieuwerck

Archaeological site, remains of the Nieuwerck of Antwerp Cathedral.

de golden ram🏰 castle

De Gouden Ram dwelling in Antwerp, Belgium, historic building.

Ruihuis🏛 museum

Museum in Antwerp, Belgium, dedicated to the history of the port.

DIVA🏛 museum

Museum for diamonds, jewellery and silver in Antwerp, Belgium.

De groote witte Arend🏰 castle

Historic building in Antwerp, Belgium, former city house.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction of the cathedral?
It is famous for the masterpieces of Peter Paul Rubens, especially the Elevation of the Cross.
Is there an entrance fee?
There is a fee for tourist visits; times for prayer are free of charge.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography without flash is allowed as long as no services are taking place.
How tall is the cathedral tower?
The north tower is 123 meters high and dominates the Antwerp skyline.
Is the cathedral open to visitors on Sundays?
Yes, but visiting hours usually start from noon due to morning masses.
Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp): where is it located?
Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) is located in Belgium.
Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp): what is there to see?
Highlights include Cathedral of Our Lady, Poorterswoning, Artifex Gallery.
Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp): why is it worth visiting?
The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is a pinnacle of Brabantine Gothic architecture and the most iconic landmark of the city.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Belgium →

Nearby cities

Antwerp — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Antwerp
Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and home to one of the world's largest ports.
Ghent — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Ghent
Ghent is a prominent university city in Flanders featuring a well-preserved medieval center.
Leuven — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Leuven
Leuven is a dynamic university city east of Brussels, home to the oldest university in the Benelux.
Hasselt — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Hasselt
Hasselt is the capital of the Limburg province, known as the city of Jenever (gin).
Aalst — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Aalst
Aalst is a Flemish city on the Dender River, famous for its vibrant carnival.
Mechelen — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Mechelen
Mechelen is located in Flanders between Antwerp and Brussels, once serving as the capital of the Netherlands under Margaret of Austria.
Sint-Niklaas — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas is a Flemish city located between Antwerp and Ghent.
Dendermonde — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Dendermonde
Dendermonde is located at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers.
Beveren — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Beveren
Beveren is a municipality in the province of East Flanders.
Merksem — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Merksem
Merksem is a vibrant district of Antwerp, known for the Sportpaleis venue and the Bredabaan, blending urban energy with proximity to the …
Turnhout — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Turnhout
Turnhout is the center of the Campine region and is globally known as the world capital of playing cards.
Lokeren — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Lokeren
Lokeren is a Flemish city on the Durme River.
Beringen — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Beringen
Beringen is a city in the Limburg province, significantly shaped by coal mining.
Heist-op-den-berg — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Heist-op-den-berg
Heist-op-den-Berg is a municipality in the Antwerp province, situated on a 48-meter high hill.
Sint-Truiden — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Sint-Truiden
Sint-Truiden is located in the heart of the Haspengouw fruit-growing region.

More places

Town Hall — Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp) (Belgium)
Town Hall
The Town Hall of Leuven is one of the most famous late Gothic buildings in the world.