- Address: Hendrik Conscienceplein 12, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Phone: +32 3 231 37 51
- Website: carolusborromeus.com
- Years of construction: 1615-1621
- Cost of visit: free of charge
One of the cult attractions in Antwerp is the church of St. Charles Borromeo, built in the Baroque style between 1615 and 1621 years. The lushness and grandeur of this amazing temple never ceases to attract local parishioners and tourists from all over the world.
History of the church
The project for the construction of the temple for a long time was developed by the Jesuit brothers. After the order was disbanded in 1773, the new patron of the church was Carlo Borromeo, archbishop of Milan. Some time in the building was a religious school, and only in 1803 the church receives the status of a parish.
1718 was for the church of St. Charles Borromeo fatal. On July 18, a lightning struck the building, causing a terrible fire. The raging element destroyed 39 precious Rubens paintings and most of the unique marbles. Only the asphids of the main altar and the chapel of Mary remained intact. Their pristine appearance can be admired now.
Architectural features of the church in Antwerp
The decoration of the facade of the temple and interior interiors worked well-known painter Peter Paul Rubens. Developing the project, the architects took as an example the first Jesuit church - the Roman Ile-Jezu.
The final result of the work is a basilica consisting of three naves. The side naves are supported by exquisite columns, and above them are galleries with large windows. In the main nave there is a choir, which is divided all along the width by an altar fence made of wood. Aspide is framed with a crown of chapels, on the left you can see the altar dedicated to Francis Xavier, and to the right - the chapel of the Virgin Mary, which survived in the fire. The halls are confessed with dark wood decorated with sculptures of angels and biblical characters.
A striking feature of the interior is the work of the painter Cornelius Sciut. Paintings by Rubens, who used to decorate the temple, were transferred to the Museum of Art in Vienna. An outstanding detail of the Church of St. Charles Borromeo in Belgium is the original mechanism, changing the paintings behind the altar. It has been kept in the church since the 17th century and still works, impressing tourists and parishioners. For its luxurious decoration, the church was called the "Marble Temple".
How to get to the church of St. Charles Borromeo?
The temple can be reached by public transport . Trams # 2, 3, 15 go from the Groenplaats stop, # 10, 11 from the Wolstraat stop, # 4.7 from the Minderbroedersrui stop and # 8 from the Meirbrug stop.
You can also visit the landmark by taking bus No. 6 and 34 from the Steenplein stop, No. 18, 25, 26 from the Groenplaats stop and No. 9 from the Minderbroedersrui stop.
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