The Mysteries of the Rosary
15 paintings, some by Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens each.
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St Paul's Church is Antwerp's hidden treasure: the Gothic Dominican church (1571) near the river with a stunning baroque interior that is almost a museum — more than fifty large paintings on its walls by Antwerp's greatest painters: Rubens ("The Scourging", "The Adoration of the Shepherds"), Van Dyck and Jordaens, in the series of fifteen "Mysteries of the Rosary" of which each painted one, plus superb baroque woodcarving in the choir stalls and confessionals. Outside is a unique oddity: the "Calvary Garden" (1697–1747) — an artificial rocky grotto with dozens of life-size statues of prophets, angels and saints climbing toward a crucifixion at the summit, in a theatrical baroque mood like nothing else in Belgium. The church survived a 1968 fire thanks to neighbours who rescued its paintings with their own hands. Open afternoons (wider in summer) and free — 5 minutes from the Grote Markt in the old harbour quarter. Do not miss it if you love the baroque.
15 paintings, some by Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens each.
A rocky grotto with dozens of statues climbing to the cross.
Superb baroque confessionals and choir stalls.
Veemarkt 14, 2000 Antwerp
Het Steen CastleHet Steen ("the Stone") is Antwerp's oldest building: a small castle of about 124 minutes walk4.3
Antwerp City HallAntwerp's City Hall is the first great Renaissance building in the Low Countries4 minutes walk4.6
Grote Markt and Brabo FountainThe Grote Markt is Antwerp's great square and historic heart: an irregular trian4 minutes walk4.5
De Ruien (Underground Antwerp)De Ruien is Antwerp hidden underground: the network of medieval canals and strea5 minutes walk4.1
DIVA Diamond and Jewellery MuseumDIVA is Antwerp's museum of diamonds, jewellery and silver — the world's diamond5 minutes walk4.2Because it is a free parish church with limited afternoon hours that does not market itself — yet many Antwerp connoisseurs prefer it: its baroque concentration is higher, the crowds nil, and the Calvary Garden has no equal. Plan it for the afternoon after the cathedral in the morning — and you will have seen Rubens in two places in one day.