Antwerpen Design Hotels

The Cathedral of Our Lady. The spectacular tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady is also known as the highest cathedral tower in Benelux. It can be seen from many parts of the city. The tower is 123 meters tall and it is located right in the historical centre of the city. The first stone of this gothic cathedral was laid in the 14th century. However, it took two centuries to finish the work. The cathedral was built on the site of an ancient Romanesque church. Only in the 80s of the previous century, when archaeological excavations were started, the specialists could finally guess how the previous church looked like. Unfortunately, almost nothing has remained from the original interior. In the 16th century, during the period of iconoclasm, the Calvinists destroyed windows, pictures, relics, burial-vaults and dozens of altars. Only some frescos and the image of Madonna, which was made of marble in the 15th century, have remained from the original decoration. The interior of the cathedral was created from the very beginning, and this fact makes the cathedral so special. Here visitors will see the decorations of absolutely different styles, such as Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, Renascence and Neo-gothic. The cathedral is also the location of 4 paintings by a world-famous artist Peter Paul Rubens. These are 2 diptychs (The Descent from the Cross, 1612, and The Erection of the Cross, 1609-1610), The Ascension of Virgin (1626) and The Resurrection of Christ (1612). Beautiful stained-glass windows, the pictures on which depict various biblical plots, look as fabulous as altars. The main altar features one more masterpiece - The Death of Virgin by Abraham Matthyssens.

The House of Rubens. Without a doubt, Peter Paul Rubens is one of the most famous citizens of Antwerp. Travellers will find a lot of places that remind of the great artist throughout the city. Grundplats is one of the places where visitors will be able to see a monument dedicated to the master. His paintings can also be found in numerous cathedrals and museums of Antwerp. The House of Rubens, in which the painter worked and lived, has still managed to keep the atmosphere of Antwerp Baroque. Thanks to original furniture, pieces of art and works from the private collection of the master, guests will be able to feel the real atmosphere of the Rubens’ times. Another great place to see a collection of paintings not only by Rubens, but also by Van Dyck and Matsys is the House of Rockoxhuis that has been perfectly restored.
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