The St. Paul's Church or Sint-Pauluskerk (in Dutch) is a Roman Catholic church located at the Veemarkt in Antwerp. Its exterior is mainly Gothic with a Baroque tower, while the interior is characterized by its rich Baroque decoration. The exterior is mainly executed in the Brabantine Gothic style and is characterized by the austere architecture with little exterior decoration, which is common in churches of mendicant orders. For the interior walls, brick was used, while the outer vestments and structural components are in Ledian sandstone. The tower was rebuilt in the late 17th century with a Baroque top. The Baroque portal on the angled corner of Veemarkt and Zwartzustersstraat dates from 1734. In the arch above the gate is a tympanum sculpture by Jan Claudius de Cock of 1734 depicting Our Lady of the Rosary giving the rosary to Saint Dominic and Catherine of Siena, the reformer of the Dominican Order. The interior columns in St. Paul's Church are cylindrical and are topped by a capital with cabbage leaf motif. The interior decoration is a good example of the Flemish Baroque style in painting as well as church furniture.
Visitor Info
Rating
★ 4.6 2,700 reviews
Visit Time
~45 min
Best Time
Morning
Insider Tips
- · The interior is the main draw, so visit in good daylight
- · Combine it with a walk toward the riverfront and old town
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes St. Paul's Church special compared to other Antwerp churches? ▾
It houses an extraordinary collection of Baroque paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaens all under one roof, plus a dramatic outdoor Calvary hill with terracotta sculptures.
When was the church built? ▾
The Gothic nave was constructed in the 15th–16th centuries, while the Baroque tower was added in 1680; the interior decoration accumulated over the following century.
Is there an entrance fee? ▾
There is a small entrance fee (typically around €3–5); the church is operated by volunteers and opening hours are limited, so check ahead.
What should I look for inside? ▾
Seek out Rubens's 'The Scourging at the Pillar' (1617) and Van Dyck's 'Jesus Carrying the Cross' — both part of the Rosary cycle hanging along the nave walls.
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St. Paul's Church — offline map & tips