Zaha Hadidplein
Experience Architectural Brilliance at Zaha Hadidplein
Kerkschip St Jozef: Antwerp's Floating Church
Discover Antwerp's unique floating church, a converted WWII tanker offering maritime history, worship, and community in a unique setting.
The Kerkschip St Jozef, a unique concrete vessel in Antwerp's harbor, serves as a floating church and social center for the maritime community. Built during World War II, it offers a glimpse into history and a place for worship and community events.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Kerkschip St Jozef
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Tuesday
10 am-9 pm
Wednesday
10 am-9 pm
Thursday
10 am-9 pm
Friday
10 am-9 pm
Saturday
10 am-9 pm
Sunday
9 am-9 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), walk north along the Kattendijkdok Westkaai. Turn left onto the Houtdok-Noordkaai. The Kerkschip St Jozef will be on your left, at Houtdok-Noordkaai 25. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport
From Antwerp Central Station, take tram line 24 towards Silsburg. Get off at the Londenstraat stop. Walk north on Londenstraat, then turn left onto Houtdok-Noordkaai. The Kerkschip St Jozef will be on your right. A single-ride ticket costs around €2.50.
Taxi
From Grote Markt, Antwerp's central square, a taxi to Kerkschip St Jozef will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €11 and €20. Taxi stands are available at Grote Markt, or you can use a ride-sharing app.
Local tips
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Check the opening hours for the chapel and tavern, as they may vary.
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Consider visiting during a Sunday service to experience the Kerkschip as a place of worship.
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Explore the surrounding Het Eilandje district, known for its blend of historic docks and modern architecture.
Discover more about Kerkschip St Jozef
The Kerkschip St Jozef is a remarkable floating church and community center located in the Houtdok area of Antwerp's harbor. This unique vessel has a fascinating history, beginning its life as a concrete tanker constructed between 1942 and 1944 in Rotterdam for the German Kriegsmarine. The ship was intended to supply U-boats with fuel, water, and provisions. Due to material shortages, it was built with concrete instead of steel.In 1944, the unfinished ship was towed to Antwerp. After the war, the Belgian government seized the vessel, and it was eventually sold to a private company. For a short time, it was used for coal storage. In 1950, the Archdiocese of Mechelen acquired the ship and transformed it into a church and social center for inland sailors. It was christened 'Kerkschip St Jozef' in 1952.Today, the Kerkschip St Jozef offers regular church services, including baptisms and weddings. A small chapel with 80 seats is open daily, while a larger chapel accommodates 260 worshippers. A canteen provides a gathering space for sailors, dockworkers, and visitors. The ship is also a tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Antwerp's maritime history and a unique architectural structure. The Kerkschip St Jozef is recognized as a protected piece of maritime heritage.
A brief summary to Kerkschip St Jozef
Use Kerkschip St Jozef as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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