St. Charles Borromeo Church
Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk

Do you think if you’ve seen one church you’ve seen them all? Check out this baroque style church with features designed by Rubens and think again!

This church has undergone a lot of work over the years. In the 18th century, there was a fire that destroyed the original paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. It was redesigned in the 1830s to be more Protestant in style and then in the 1980s they decided no, wait, the original baroque style was more their thing.

• It’s closed to tourists during lockdown restrictions, but it’s worth walking by to snap a photo
• Rubens did 2 altarpieces and designed the paintings on the ceiling, which was mostly painted by apprentices (including Anthony Van Dyck). The paintings destroyed in 1718 fire were restored by Jan Pieter van Baurscheit the Elder
• Rubens 2 paintings are of Saints Ignatius and Francis Xavier (spanish Catholic priests who co-founded the Society of Jesus)
• One of the highlights here is the original and unique feature above the main altar which can be used to switch paintings. It still works!
• Don’t miss the small museum in the crypt. It’s dedicated to the history of Antwerp’s lace
• Need more architecture in your life? This church is a short walk away from the Cathedral of Our Lady