CathedralAnvers (Antwerp)

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady)

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady)

The church can be visited

The Cathedral of Our Lady, known as Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, is a prominent sacred building in Antwerp, Belgium. It is considered a masterpiece of Brabantine architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.

History+

The cathedral's origins date back to the 10th century, when a Marian chapel stood on this site. It was elevated to a parish church in 1124 and expanded into a larger Romanesque church in the 12th century. In 1352, construction began on the current Gothic church with a nave and six aisles, which was completed in 1521. A fire in 1533 caused significant damage, after which the people of Antwerp rebuilt the church. In 1559, it became the cathedral of the newly established Diocese of Antwerp. Tragic events such as the Calvinist iconoclasm in 1566 and Protestant rule from 1581 led to the destruction and sale of many artworks. The French occupation in 1794 also left severe damage, as the building was plundered and temporarily used as a stable. Since the late 20th century, the cathedral has undergone extensive renovations.

Location+

The Cathedral of Our Lady is located in Antwerp, in the district of Antwerp, in the Flanders region, Belgium, at an elevation of approximately 19 m above sea level.

On site+

Visitors can explore the church today and admire its impressive architecture and preserved artworks.

Nearby+
  • Kasteel Het Steen (Castle), approx. 0.4 km away
  • Koninklijk Paleis (Residence), approx. 0.6 km away
  • Kasteel De Bergeyck (Castle), approx. 2.8 km away
  • Schloss Groenendael (Castle), approx. 3.4 km away

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Antwerpen_kathedraal02.jpg?uselang=de

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 51.2203, 4.4012