Antwerp, Belgium2-3 hoursMorning
Antwerp Cathedral
Antwerp Cathedral is one of the notable stops in Antwerp, with a route-friendly location for your trip.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1352
- Architect
- Rombout II Keldermans
- Architectural style
- Gothic architecture
- Height
- 123 m
- Length
- 118 m
- Heritage status
- part of UNESCO World Heritage Site
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Which famous paintings are in the cathedral?
Four major works by Rubens, including The Descent from the Cross. They were painted for this building and still hang in their intended places.
Why was the second tower never finished?
The design called for two matching towers, but funds ran out in the 16th century and a fire followed. The north tower reached 123 m while the south was left unfinished.
Where does the city's name come from?
Legend tells of a giant who taxed river traffic and cut off the hands of those who refused, throwing them into the water. "Hand werpen" — hand throwing — became the city's name, and the fountain in front of the cathedral shows the scene.
Why go?
- Easy to add to your route
- Good photo stop
- Popular local highlight
