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St Paul's Church: A Gothic-Baroque Masterpiece

Discover Antwerp's artistic heritage at St Paul's Church, a stunning blend of Gothic and Baroque art and architecture.

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St Paul's Church in Antwerp, a former Dominican monastery church, showcases a captivating blend of Gothic and Baroque styles. Visitors can admire its impressive art collection, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens, as well as the serene Calvary Garden with its life-sized statues.

A brief summary to St Paul's Church

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the serene atmosphere.
  • Check the church's website for the schedule of orchestral masses and musical performances.
  • Explore the Calvary Garden to see the unique collection of life-sized statues.
  • Note that the church is undergoing restoration in 2025, and some works may be temporarily unavailable.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Grote Markt, walk northeast towards the Scheldt river. Continue onto Onder den Toren, then turn right onto Ernest Van Dijckkaai. Turn left onto Sint-Paulusstraat. The church will be on your left. The walk is approximately 7 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take any of the many trams to the 'Groenplaats' stop. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to St Paul's Church. Walk northeast towards the Scheldt river. Continue onto Onder den Toren, then turn right onto Ernest Van Dijckkaai. Turn left onto Sint-Paulusstraat. The church will be on your left. A single ride costs €2.50.

  • Car

    Several public car parks are within walking distance of St Paul's Church, including 'Parking Scheldekaaien Noord'. Be aware that the entire central Antwerp area is a Low Emission Zone. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €2-3 per hour.

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Discover more about St Paul's Church

Located in Antwerp's old city center, a short distance from the Scheldt river, St. Paul's Church (Sint-Pauluskerk) stands as a testament to the city's rich religious and artistic history. Originally built in the 16th century as a Dominican monastery church, it replaced an earlier church that was prone to flooding. The church is dedicated to St. Paul, the patron saint of the Dominicans. The architecture of St. Paul's Church is a captivating blend of late-Gothic and Baroque styles. Construction began around 1512, with Domien de Waghemakere and Rombout de Dryvere as possible architects. The church was consecrated in 1571. During its turbulent history, the church suffered damage from Calvinist iconoclasm, a fire in 1679, and bombardment during the Ten Days' Campaign in 1830. Despite these challenges, it has been lovingly restored and retains its artistic treasures. Inside, visitors can marvel at over 50 paintings, 200 statues, and a magnificent organ. St. Paul's Church is unique as the only place where paintings by Antwerp masters Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens can be found in their original intended locations. Notable works include Rubens' "The Flagellation of Christ" and Jordaens' "The Crucifixion". The church also features a remarkable Calvary Garden, a sculpture garden with over 60 life-sized statues depicting the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. Today, St. Paul's Church remains an active parish church, hosting regular services and musical performances. Visitors can explore the church's crypt and archaeological site on guided tours.

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