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Sint-Jacob Antwerpen: A Gothic Masterpiece

Discover Antwerp's Sint-Jacob Church: a stunning Gothic landmark with Baroque treasures and the tomb of Peter Paul Rubens.

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Sint-Jacob Antwerpen, or St. James' Church, is a stunning Gothic church in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium, dating back to the 15th century. Known for its rich history and architectural grandeur, it features a Baroque interior, impressive artwork, and serves as the final resting place of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens.

A brief summary to Sint-Jacob Antwerpen

Local tips

  • Visit in the afternoon to see the sunlight stream through the stained-glass windows.
  • Check the schedule for organ concerts or special events to enhance your visit.
  • Dress respectfully, as it is an active place of worship.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Sint-Jacob Antwerpen is located in the heart of Antwerp, easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From the Grote Markt, walk north along the Meir shopping street, then turn right onto Sint-Jacobsstraat. The church will be on your left. Walking from the Cathedral of Our Lady, head south on Groenplaats toward the Meir. Continue straight onto Meir and then take a right onto Sint-Jacobstraat. Sint-Jacob Antwerpen will be on your left at number 9.

  • Public Transport

    From Antwerp Central Station, take tram line 2 or 6 towards 'Linkeroever' or 'Hoboken'. Get off at the 'Meir' stop. From there, walk south towards the Meir and turn right onto Sint-Jacobstraat. Continue walking until you reach Sint-Jacob Antwerpen at number 9. Alternatively, from the Antwerp Opera, take tram line 8 towards 'Berchem Station'. Get off at the 'Meir' stop. Walk south on Meir and turn right onto Sint-Jacobstraat. Walk straight until you find Sint-Jacob Antwerpen at number 9. A single tram or bus fare is around €2.50 - €3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Antwerp. A taxi ride from Antwerp Central Station to Sint-Jacob Antwerpen typically costs between €11 and €20, depending on traffic and the time of day. Taxi fares in Antwerp start at €2.95 during the day and €5.45 at night, with a price per kilometer of €2 and a price per minute of €0.58. Consider ride-sharing services like Uber, which may offer slightly different rates.

  • Parking

    If driving, Parking St. Jacob is conveniently located nearby at Sint-Jacobsmarkt 81. Hourly parking rates range from €2 to €3, with daily maximums around €20-€25. Be aware that Antwerp's city center is a low-emission zone, requiring vehicle registration.

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Discover more about Sint-Jacob Antwerpen

Nestled in the heart of Antwerp, Sint-Jacob Antwerpen stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural grandeur. This remarkable church, dating back to the 13th century with major construction in the 15th and 16th centuries, showcases an exquisite blend of Gothic and Baroque design elements that captivate visitors. The church is built on the site of a former hostel for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. As you step inside, you're greeted by a serene atmosphere, highlighted by stunning stained glass windows that illuminate the space with a kaleidoscope of colors. The whitewashed walls create a unique aesthetic, diverging from the darker stone churches typical of the region. The church is not only a place of worship but also a historical site filled with artistic treasures, including impressive altarpieces and sculptures that narrate the tales of Antwerp's rich heritage. A focal point is the Rubens Chapel, holding the tomb of Peter Paul Rubens and an altarpiece he personally selected. The Baroque interior features carved wooden choir stalls (1658-1670), an opulent main altar (1685), and communion rails in the holy chapel (1695). The central pulpit was created in 1675 by Lodewijk Willemsens. The church also houses a Forceville organ dating back to 1727. Sint-Jacob Antwerpen is an active parish church that welcomes visitors to explore its artistic and spiritual environment. While parts of the church may be under renovation, the sections open to the public offer a glimpse into the stunning architecture and preserved artwork.

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