Churches: Saint-Carolus-Borromeus

This is one of my favorite Churches in town. It’s squeezed in on a small and absolutely lovely plaza, Conscienceplein - almost hidden from the crowd. Our national poet, Hendrik Consience, always keeps an eye on the whole square.

This is the church of Rubens, who not only masterfully painted for it, but he was also designer of its sculptural decoration. A fire has destroyed its 39 ceiling paintings. One painting still hangs above the altar - but it is not always the same one. An original mechanism makes it still possible to change the paintings. Rubens decorated the building mainly in high Baroque - architecture favored by the Jesuits in the 17th century. The tower (on St. Katelijneveststreet) is 58 meters high and points towards God. The entrance is free but you’ll have to be early enough to enter. Late sleepers don’t stand a chance. Of course you can always go to the mass.

The artists' masses on Sundays at 11h30 are a great tradition that captures the interest of Greater Antwerp. There are also a number of concerts.

You will also find an exceptionally rich lace museum there.

After sit by the feet of the poet and admire the façade. Enjoy the live jazz often played on this square. A bit thirsty? There are plenty of opportunities here…

Opening hours

Church
Monday to Saturday: 10-12h30, 14-17h
Sundays and holidays: only open for mass

Holy masses
Sunday and holidays: 10h, 11h30 ("artist's mass")

Lace room
Wednesday: 10-12h30, 14-16h
Thursday: on request

Neighborhood: Old city

The Saint Carolus- Borromeus Church
Main entrance
Hendrik Conscienceplein
Antwerpen 2000

Getting there:

Trams 2, 3, and 15 (stop Groenplaats). From there diagonally across Groenplaats into St. Pietersstraat and Melkmarkt. At the end of Melkmarkt turn right into the second, pedestrian street Jezuitenrui.

Trams 10, and 11 (stop Wolstraat). Getting off the tram turn right into the small pedestrian street.

Trams 4, and 7 (stop Minderbroedersrui). Getting off the tram turn right into Wolstraat and the small pedestrian street Wijngaardstraat.

Tram 8 (stop Meirbrug). From there into St. Katelijnevest and left into Wolstraat and the small pedestrian street Wijngaardstraat.

Busses 6, and 34 (stop Steenplein). Go up the steps next to the parking and into Zilversmidstraat. From there always straight via Grote Markt, Kaasrui and Wijngaardstraat.

Busses 18, 25, and 26 (stop Groenplaats). From there diagonally across Groenplaats into St. Pietersstraat and Melkmarkt. At the end of Melkmarkt turn right into the second, pedestrian street Jezuitenrui.

Bus 9 (stop Minderbroedersrui). Exiting the bus turn right into Wolstraat and the small pedestrian street Wijngaardstraat.

Admission fees:

Church: free

Lace room: € 1,50 per person, kids younger than 12: for free