Picture this: You’re taking a European river cruise and are about to reach your Belgian port city. As you get closer, a massive spire offers a striking first glimpse of the city’s architectural grandeur. Rising high above the city of Antwerp, Belgium, Antwerp Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Our Lady, is a defining landmark in ‘t Stad. For cruise guests, it’s a must-see when visiting this port city for its Gothic architecture, skyline-defying north tower, major works by Peter Paul Rubens, and walkability, perfect for a half-day trip.
This blog is a practical guide for travelers interested in art, architecture, and Antwerp’s history. Use it as you plan your river cruise to this gorgeous Belgian city.
Its Gothic Architecture and Long History Tell Antwerp’s Story
Soaring Gothic vaulted ceilings and ornate stone columns frame the long central nave of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium.
Antwerp Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in the Low Countries, spanning an 8,000-square-meter floor area and measuring roughly 120 meters long and 75 meters wide. The lengthy construction of this church began in 1352 and ended in 1520. After being damaged by a fire, extensive restoration work was carried out. Further renovations and redesigns took place over the following centuries, preserving and enhancing its distinctive Brabantine Gothic architecture.
In that time, Peter Paul Rubens, a Flemish artist and diplomat, provided paintings to redecorate the cathedral’s bare walls. These paintings, as well as other medieval art, still stand as treasured features of the modern-day cathedral.
Today, the Cathedral of Our Lady sits tall and proud at the center of town, serving as a focal point for visitors and locals alike to marvel at. The 123-meter north tower is the defining feature of Antwerp’s skyline, making it an unmistakable part of the city’s culture and profile. The cathedral is primarily made of stone masonry, featuring a seven-aisled design with big stone pillars, vaulted ceilings, and extensive stained-glass windows with bright blues, reds, yellows, and greens.
You don’t need an extensive art or architectural background to appreciate the building. Its sheer size and precise details make it a wonder to behold, even if it’s your first introduction to Gothic art.
Rubens’ Masterpieces Are a Major Reason To Visit
A bronze statue of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens stands prominently in a public square, with the ornate Gothic façade of Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady rising in the background.
When visiting Antwerp, it’s almost impossible to miss Peter Paul Rubens’ impact on the city. He moved there with his mother in 1589, studying classical literature and art under local craftsmen. After spending time in Italy, he returned in 1608 and put down roots. He served as a leading painter and diplomat from his studio at the Rubens House until he died in 1640.
His two most popular works are The Descent From the Cross and The Elevation of the Cross, both housed in the Cathedral of Our Lady. These paintings depict Christ being lifted on the cross during his crucifixion and then removed after his death, characterized by bold lighting and intensely emotional scenes.
When visiting the cathedral, you can see both of these works displayed as triptychs, showing their masterful use of color and Baroque-style artistry. While the church is impressive enough on its own, seeing each work inside the cathedral and its grand scale makes this an even more unforgettable experience. Not only are you seeing original works of art, but you’re viewing some of them in their original setting, within the walls of a place that meant a great deal to Rubens.
Another key masterpiece you can’t miss is the A Dog of Flanders statue situated outside the church. Artist Batist Vermeulen designed a statue of the boy and his dog after the 1872 novel of the same name. The story goes that a young orphan boy, Nello, becomes friends with a dog, Patrasche. On Christmas Eve, they go to see Rubens’ famous paintings in the Cathedral of Our Lady because the boy idolizes Rubens and wishes to be a painter just like him. The pair enter the building and are discovered frozen to death the next morning.
While this story is a tragedy, the beloved characters were commemorated by a statue in 2016, which you can see for yourself when touring the area. This piece, as well as the city’s love of artwork, makes even a short visit to Antwerp feel especially meaningful for creative-minded travelers.
How To Experience Antwerp Cathedral During a River Cruise Stop
A quiet cobblestone street winds through Antwerp’s historic city center in Belgium, lined with traditional buildings featuring ornate façades and charming architectural details.
You could spend an entire week wandering the city’s cobblestone streets, enjoying local cuisine, and taking in all the sights like a local. However, if you only have a bit of time, the cathedral easily fits into a half-day experience—and it’s a must-see when visiting Antwerp.
The church is in the center of town, surrounded by other sites that you might want to explore if time allows. The walkable nature of this cultural stop makes it ideal for a stress-free day of wandering through cobblestone streets and viewing Gothic architecture both inside and outside the cathedral.
You could take as much or as little time to explore Antwerp, but most visitors require one to three hours dedicated to just the church and then another two to three hours to spend seeing nearby stops.
Start your day by walking toward the cathedral through Antwerp’s historic center. This mix of medieval alleys, Renaissance guild houses, and Gothic architecture is located along the Scheldt River, and you can see it all while making your way to the Cathedral of Our Lady. Once there, spend time taking in the impressive exterior and north tower.
After getting a good grasp of the grandeur outside the church, go inside and take in the tall arched ceilings, bright-white columns lining the pews, and stained-glass windows. This is also your chance to view Rubens’ masterpieces up close. The cathedral is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is €12.00 p.p. for adults and €10.00 p.p. for groups of 20 or more, people with disabilities, students, and seniors aged 60 and over.
Outside the cathedral, find Nello and Patrasche’s marble statue, designed to look like the cobblestone street is blending into a sleeping blanket. A short walk away in the Grote Markt Square is the Brabo Fountain, a 19th-century bronze fountain depicting Roman soldier Silvius Brabo throwing Antigoon’s severed hand into the Scheldt River. This fountain sits in front of City Hall and honors the city’s historic legend.
Following sightseeing, grab classic Belgian fries and waffles and do a bit of people-watching.
Planning a River Cruise to Antwerp
A panoramic aerial view of Antwerp’s waterfront in Belgium, where the riverside quays curve along the Scheldt River, with the historic Loodswezen building and the modern MAS museum visible among the city’s rooftops.
Exploring Antwerp by river offers a unique and special perspective of the city. As your ship docks on the Scheldt River, you can take in Antwerp’s historic architecture, bustling waterfront, and blend of old-world charm and modern-day energy. You can book a trip specifically to Antwerp, or you can include it as part of a larger Rhine and Belgian and Dutch tulip cruise itinerary. This enables you to see more of what this gorgeous country has to offer along a waterway built on history and charm.
The right type of itinerary depends on what you’re hoping to get from your vacation. If you’re an art lover and want to take a deep dive into Rubens’ work and other Baroque art pieces, perhaps a focused Antwerp trip is right for you and your group. If you want to see Amsterdam’s tulip fields in peak bloom, take in Rotterdam’s famous post-WWII architecture, or enjoy a boat tour along the two-level canal system in Utrecht, a more encompassing Rhine River cruise could check all the boxes.
You can also book Before and After Stays, giving you even more time pre- or post-cruise to explore Europe without any rush. Easily tack on extra time to your cruise to explore iconic cities like Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, or Lausanne with guides who know the area like the back of their hands.
FAQs About Antwerp Cathedral
What is Antwerp Cathedral officially called?
Antwerp Cathedral’s official name is the Cathedral of Our Lady, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Why is Antwerp Cathedral famous?
Antwerp’s Cathedral is famous for its 123-meter-tall north tower, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also popular for its collection of Baroque art pieces by Peter Paul Rubens, which you can see on display within the church.
What Rubens paintings can you see inside Antwerp Cathedral?
Inside the Cathedral of Our Lady, you can see four major works by Rubens:
- The Elevation of the Cross
- The Descent From the Cross
- The Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- The Resurrection of Christ
How tall is Antwerp Cathedral’s spire or tower?
The north tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady is 123 meters—or 404 feet—tall. It’s the highest church tower in the Benelux region, and the tallest Gothic church spire in the Low Countries.
Should I visit Antwerp Cathedral?
Yes, Antwerp Cathedral is a great sight to visit on a Rhine River cruise, especially if you love art, Gothic architecture, and gorgeous stained-glass windows.
Explore Antwerp by River
Ornate historic guild houses glow in warm lighting around the Brabo Fountain in Antwerp’s Grote Markt, Belgium, showcasing the square’s richly detailed architecture.
Get up close and personal with Gothic design by saying yes to the Antwerp Cathedral experience. But don’t stop there! You can explore more of Belgium and the Netherlands by river with Celebrity River Cruises℠.
With plenty of itineraries and destinations to select from, you can design a cruise vacation fit for Gothic royalty.
Explore Rhine River cruises to Antwerp to get a dream vacation in the books.
