St. Andrew's Church, Antwerp
Saint Andrew's Church in Antwerp is a Catholic parish church known for its rich historical tapestry and architectural beauty, bridging late-Gothic exteriors with a Baroque interior. The church's foundation dates back to the 16th century, beginning with Augustine friars who established a convent and chapel on the site in 1513. The transition to a parish church occurred in 1529 after a tumultuous period involving accusations against the Augustinians of Lutheran sympathies, which led to their loss of the grounds.
The church's early history is marked by adversity, notably during the Beeldenstorm of 1566 when its interiors were ravaged, and subsequent periods of division and reconstruction amidst religious conflicts between Catholics and Calvinists. It was only after the Fall of Antwerp in 1585 that the church returned to Catholic hands, ushering in a new era of decoration by prominent Antwerp artists such as Otto van Veen and members of the Francken family.
The 17th century saw major expansions and renovations to the church, such as a new Baroque tower in 1755 after the original collapsed. This period also added Baroque furniture and artwork from other churches affected by the French Revolution. Despite damage from the Dutch bombardment in 1830 and WWII, the church continued to be restored, including replacing destroyed stained glass windows with new designs to preserve its historical essence.
Inside, Saint Andrew鈥檚 houses an array of important religious artifacts and artworks, including a monument to Mary, Queen of Scots, and works by revered painters like Hendrick van Balen and Anthony van Dyck. Its furniture is notably Baroque, crafted by renowned sculptors such as Willem Kerricx, reflecting the artistic wealth amassed after the Beeldenstorm.
Saint Andrew's Church remains a testament to the resilience and cultural heritage of Antwerp, continually adapting and flourishing through each chapter of its storied past.
The church's early history is marked by adversity, notably during the Beeldenstorm of 1566 when its interiors were ravaged, and subsequent periods of division and reconstruction amidst religious conflicts between Catholics and Calvinists. It was only after the Fall of Antwerp in 1585 that the church returned to Catholic hands, ushering in a new era of decoration by prominent Antwerp artists such as Otto van Veen and members of the Francken family.
The 17th century saw major expansions and renovations to the church, such as a new Baroque tower in 1755 after the original collapsed. This period also added Baroque furniture and artwork from other churches affected by the French Revolution. Despite damage from the Dutch bombardment in 1830 and WWII, the church continued to be restored, including replacing destroyed stained glass windows with new designs to preserve its historical essence.
Inside, Saint Andrew鈥檚 houses an array of important religious artifacts and artworks, including a monument to Mary, Queen of Scots, and works by revered painters like Hendrick van Balen and Anthony van Dyck. Its furniture is notably Baroque, crafted by renowned sculptors such as Willem Kerricx, reflecting the artistic wealth amassed after the Beeldenstorm.
Saint Andrew's Church remains a testament to the resilience and cultural heritage of Antwerp, continually adapting and flourishing through each chapter of its storied past.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Antwerp. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
St. Andrew's Church on Map
Sight Name: St. Andrew's Church
Sight Location: Antwerp, Belgium (See walking tours in Antwerp)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Antwerp, Belgium (See walking tours in Antwerp)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Antwerp, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Antwerp
Creating your own self-guided walk in Antwerp is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Antwerp Historic Center Walk
Antwerp is a bustling metropolis, replete with modern entertainment, yet it is the centuries-old city center that fuels tourists' interest the most. Indeed, downtown Antwerp is steeped in history. So much so, in fact, that to see all that it has to offer, you'll need way more than one day.
Here history awaits you practically round every corner 鈥� seen in the ancient building-fronts... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Here history awaits you practically round every corner 鈥� seen in the ancient building-fronts... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Antwerp Introduction Walking Tour
A major city-port on the River Scheldt in Belgium, Antwerp is known primarily as the diamond capital of Europe. For centuries, Antwerp's Diamond District has been the center of diamond trade, with thousands of dealers, cutters and polishers processing 85% of the world's rough diamonds each year.
Historical Antwerp has its origins in a Gallo-Roman settlement, first mentioned in the 4th... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Antwerp has its origins in a Gallo-Roman settlement, first mentioned in the 4th... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Antwerp's Historical Churches Tour
Antwerp, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts an array of historical churches that stand as testaments to its past.
Reigning supreme among them is the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning 14th-century Gothic masterpiece. Its towering spire dominates the city skyline and houses invaluable artworks by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Reigning supreme among them is the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning 14th-century Gothic masterpiece. Its towering spire dominates the city skyline and houses invaluable artworks by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles