Church of Saint Paul (sint Pauluskerk) located near the Scheldt River at first it was part of a huge Dominican monastery. When in the year 1697 a huge fire consumed the temple, a new baroque tower was built. Another fire, in 1815 year, did a lot of damage, although the parishioners saved their precious images with the risk of their lives.
In the renovated temple, tourists admire over 50 wonderful paintings, masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck or Jordaens, over 200 sculptures, rich Baroque altars, considered to be one of the most beautiful carved pieces of equipment in the world. Seventeenth-century bodies that have undergone many restaurants and improvements are considered one of the ten most perfect historic organs in Europe.
In the renovated temple, tourists admire over 50 wonderful paintings, masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck or Jordaens, over 200 sculptures, rich Baroque altars, considered to be one of the most beautiful carved pieces of equipment in the world. Seventeenth-century bodies that have undergone many restaurants and improvements are considered one of the ten most perfect historic organs in Europe.
It also impresses the Calvaria, built in the 1734 year, consisting of sixty-three life-size sculptures, situated next to the church. It is unique on a global scale. The figures in the garden evoke the life and death of Jesus. The path along which they are set symbolizes the way to the Mount of Olives.
This magnificent church, after centuries of destruction, finally regained its splendor. Beautiful interior, and countless works of art, created by world-famous masters, attract crowds of tourists invariably. Not for nothing about the church of St. Paul is said a baroque jewel in a gothic chest. Wonderful Baroque furniture perfectly fit into this gothic interior.
Fifteen paintings depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary are unique on a global scale. The works painted in 1617 year are the works of eleven masters of painting created in Antwerp. Among them are Rubens, Van Dyck, and Joardens.
In the church we find three paintings of Rubens: Whipping-painting from the series depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, Adoration of shepherds (1609), and being part of the altar Soeten Naem-A dispute about the Holy Sacrament, painted around 1609 year.
Made of marble, the main altar (1670) was designed by Franciscus van Sterbeeck and built by Peeter Verbruggen and his son. The original work of Rubens, which decorated the altar, was stolen during the French Revolution. It was replaced with painting Descent from the cross (1807) by Cornelius Cels.
In the church we find three paintings of Rubens: Whipping-painting from the series depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, Adoration of shepherds (1609), and being part of the altar Soeten Naem-A dispute about the Holy Sacrament, painted around 1609 year.
Made of marble, the main altar (1670) was designed by Franciscus van Sterbeeck and built by Peeter Verbruggen and his son. The original work of Rubens, which decorated the altar, was stolen during the French Revolution. It was replaced with painting Descent from the cross (1807) by Cornelius Cels.
In the temple, we can admire some of the most beautiful carved elements of the world. Especially impressive are on both sides of the choir the magnificent carved in wood Lion's door that were created in 1650 year. Equally priceless are standing next to the seventeenth century stalls. A special attention should be paid to the stalls located in the side aisle, which made, in 1658 year, Peeter Verbruggen I. None of the figures carved by him is the same. In the side chapel next to the Calvary Chapel, you can see a Way of the cross carved in wood.
Located in the left aisle of the church of Saint Paul Altar Rosary it is one of four baroque altars in this temple. Its lower part was made in 1650 a year by Sebastiaen de Neve. The top of the altar was created by Jean Pierre van Baurscheit I. The original painting La Madonna del Rosario (1607), painted by Caravaggio, was taken by the German Emperor Joseph II. He was replaced by a copy made, in 1781 year, Bernardus de Quertenmont.Różańca La Madonna del Rosario
The main altar was designed by Franciscus van Sterbeeck. Peeter Verbruggen and his son were responsible for its performance.
During the French Revolution, the original painting of Rubens, which was part of the altar, was stolen. In its place was put a painting painted in the 1807 year by Cornelius Cels.
During the French Revolution, the original painting of Rubens, which was part of the altar, was stolen. In its place was put a painting painted in the 1807 year by Cornelius Cels.
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.
One can not ignore the magnificent organs which Nicolaas van Haegen built in 1654-1658. In the 1730 year, they were rebuilt by Jean Baptiste Forceville, and in the 1824 year by Jean Joseph Delhaye. Wooden parts and sculptures were made by Peeter Vebruggen I. Nowadays, these wonderful, having 4000 pipes, organs are considered to be one of the ten most magnificent historic organs in Europe.
There is also a treasury in the church, a chapel of Calvary with carved in wood a way of the Cross and a vestibule leading to the former monastery, which is a remnant of the huge Dominican monastery, whose church of Saint Paul was a part. Unfortunately, you can not visit this part of the church.
There is also a treasury in the church, a chapel of Calvary with carved in wood a way of the Cross and a vestibule leading to the former monastery, which is a remnant of the huge Dominican monastery, whose church of Saint Paul was a part. Unfortunately, you can not visit this part of the church.
Address:
Veemarkt 14, 2000 Antwerpen |
Opening hours:
1/04-31 / 10, daily: 14.00-17.00 after 31 / 10, saturday, sunday: 14.00-17.00 |
Ticket price:
admission to the church: for free admission to the treasury: 1 Euro |