St. Paul's church (sint Pauluskerk)
Situated near the Scheldt river initially it was part of a huge Dominican monastery. When in 1697 a huge fire consumed the temple, a new baroque tower was built. Another fire, in 1815, caused much damage, although parishioners risked their lives to save valuable paintings.
In the renovated temple, tourists admire more than 50 wonderful paintings by masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens, more than 200 sculptures, rich baroque altars, considered to be one of the most beautiful carved pieces of equipment in the world. The 17th-century organ, which has undergone many restoration and refinements, is considered to be one of the ten most perfect historic organs in Europe.
In the renovated temple, tourists admire more than 50 wonderful paintings by masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens, more than 200 sculptures, rich baroque altars, considered to be one of the most beautiful carved pieces of equipment in the world. The 17th-century organ, which has undergone many restoration and refinements, is considered to be one of the ten most perfect historic organs in Europe.
A baroque gem in a gothic chest
The Calvary, built in 1734, consisting of sixty-three life-size sculptures, situated next to the church, is also delightful. It is unique in the world. The figures in the garden evoke the life and death of Jesus. The path along which they are positioned symbolizes the way to the Mount of Olives.
This magnificent church, after centuries of destruction, has finally regained its glory. Beautiful interior and countless works of art, created by world-famous masters, invariably attract crowds of tourists. Not for nothing about the church of St. Paul is said to be baroque jewel in gothic chest. Great furniture fits perfectly into this baroque interior.
Paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck and Joardens
Fifteen paintings depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary are unique in the world. The works painted in 1617 are the works of eleven painting masters working in Antwerp. Among them are Rubens, Van Dyck and Joardens.
There are three paintings by Rubens in the church: Whipping, a painting from the series presenting the secrets of the Holy Rosary, Adoration of the shepherds (1609), and part of the Soeten Naem altar, Dispute over the Holy Sacrament, painted around 1609.
The marble main altar (1670) was designed by Franciscus van Sterbeeck and built by Peeter Verbruggen with his son. Rubens' original work that adorned the altar was stolen during the French Revolution. They were replaced with linen The Descent from the Cross (1807) by Cornelius Cels.
There are three paintings by Rubens in the church: Whipping, a painting from the series presenting the secrets of the Holy Rosary, Adoration of the shepherds (1609), and part of the Soeten Naem altar, Dispute over the Holy Sacrament, painted around 1609.
The marble main altar (1670) was designed by Franciscus van Sterbeeck and built by Peeter Verbruggen with his son. Rubens' original work that adorned the altar was stolen during the French Revolution. They were replaced with linen The Descent from the Cross (1807) by Cornelius Cels.
In the temple, we can admire some of the most beautiful carved fittings in the world. The ones on both sides of the choir, carved in wood, are especially delightful Lion's doorwhich were created in 1650. The 17th-century stalls standing nearby are also invaluable. The oak stalls located in the aisle, which were made in 1658 by Peeter Verbruggen I, are also worthy of special attention. None of the figures he carved is the same. In the Calvary Chapel next to the aisle, it is worth seeing the Way of the Cross carved in wood.
The Rosary altar in the left nave of the church is one of the four baroque altars in this church. Its lower part was made in 1650 by Sebastiaen de Neve. The top of the altar was created by Jean Pierre van Baurscheit I. Original painting La Madonna del Rosario (1607), painted by Caravaggio, was taken by the German Emperor Joseph II. It was replaced by a copy which he made, in 1781, by Bernardus de Quertenmont.
There are two marble altars in the right side aisle. The first on the left is the altar of Soeten Naem. Its author is Peeter Verbruggen I. Part of the altar is a great picture of Rubuens, A dispute about the Holy Sacrament, painted around 1609 a year. The altar of the Holy Cross on the right side was also made by Verbruggen I. The painting inside the altar was painted by Gaspar de Craeyer for about 1654 year.
You cannot ignore the wonderful organs that Nicolaas van Haegen built in the 1654-1658 years. In 1730 they were rebuilt by Jean Baptiste Forceville, and in 1824 by Jean Joseph Delhaye. The wooden parts and sculptures were made by Peeter Verbruggen I. Today, these magnificent organs with 4000 pipes are considered to be one of the ten most magnificent historic organs in Europe.
The church also has a treasury, a Calvary chapel with a road carved in wood, and a vestibule leading to the former monastery, which is a remnant of the powerful Dominican monastery, whose church of St. Paul was part of. Unfortunately, this part of the church cannot be visited.
The church also has a treasury, a Calvary chapel with a road carved in wood, and a vestibule leading to the former monastery, which is a remnant of the powerful Dominican monastery, whose church of St. Paul was part of. Unfortunately, this part of the church cannot be visited.
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Address:
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Opening hours:
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Ticket price:
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Veemarkt 14, 2000 Antwerpen
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1/04-31/10, daily: 14.00-17.00 01/11-31/03, saturday, sunday:
14.00-17.00 |
Admission to the church: 5 Euro
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