Cathedrals of Belgium: Three – Antwerp, an Exceptional Plan

With a surface of more than 8,000 square meters, the Gothic cathedral of Antwerp is the largest of Belgium. It is also exceptional for her unusual plan with seven naves and slight spire that reaches 123 m high. It used to be the belfry (”stadtoren”) of the City of Antwerp. The pentagonal apse and ambulatory with five radiating chapels were built in a first campaign from 1352. The three straight bays of the choir are surrounded by twin side-aisles. The structure was designed by Jan Appelmans. A touching monument was erected to him outside the cathedral.

The second campaign that began in 1420 concerned the façade with the two towers, the Romanesque parts being temporarily maintained. During the third campaign at the end of the XVth century, the new nave flanked with triple side-aisles replaced the nave of the XIIth century. Unusually for the region, the elevation  presents only two storeys. A delicate balustrade recalls the former triforium. But on the other hand, a flat-laid decoration invades the spandrels of the arcades. The columns have no capitals and the play on vertical lines is extraordinary. Finally, in an ultimate effort, at the end of the XVth century, the jutting out transept receives reticulated vaults and opens at the crossing on an octagonal  lantern-tower so abundantly sculpted. In the magnificent choir the vaults present lierne and tierceron ribs.

In 1521, the architect Dominique de Waghemaker completes the North tower with the bells and chimes above. A new cathedral was began in presence of Charles the Fifth who required a three times bigger edifice. A fire occurred in 1533 and the project was abandoned. In 1566 and 1581, Calvinists violently damaged the inside. Despite the looting that occurred in later centuries, a lot was saved and fabulous paintings by Rubens can still be admired.  

West façade of Notre-Dame cathedral in Antwerp.

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The superb vaults and magnificent lantern-tower of the cathedral Notre-Dame, Antwerp.

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Photo by: Till Niermann 

The raising of the Cross by Rubens, 1610.

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General view of the cathedral, Antwerp.

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Photo by: Fuss 

Inside the cathedral Notre-Dame in Antwerp. Note the decorated nave and base of the lantern-tower.

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Photo by Welleschik.

Tribute to the Architect jan Appelmans

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Photo by: Coin-coin