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  4. St. Carolus Borromeus

St. Carolus Borromeus, Antwerp

Church Carolus Borromeus Antwerp (c)www.milo-profi.be Photo © visitflanders. View all images in our St. Carolus Borromeus Photo Gallery.
Photo © teachandlearn.
Photo © Andrea Kirkby.
Photo © Andrea Kirkby.

St. Carolus Borromeus Church in Antwerp is a Baroque church with a spectacular facade, built by the Jesuits between 1615 and 1621.

Peter Paul Rubens contributed to the façade, the tower, and much of the interior. The facade is based on Il Gesu in Rome, the first Jesuit church. The interior was designed to look like a Baroque banqueting hall, providing a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. The opulent decoration gave the church the nickname "the marble temple."

On July 18, 1718, lightning struck and 39 ceiling paintings by Rubens were tragically lost in the subsequent fire. Most of the original marble was also destroyed. However, the apse of the main altar and the Mary Chapel were spared and they provide visitors with an idea of the church's former splendor.

One of the church's most unique features is the interchangeable painting above the altar, which uses an original mechanism which is still in working order.


Quick Facts on St. Carolus Borromeus

Site Information
Names:St. Carolus Borromeus; St. Carolus Borromeus, Antwerp
City:Antwerp
Country:Belgium
cat:Churches
style:Baroque
Dates:1615-21
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:Antwerp, Belgium
Coordinates:51.221044° N, 4.404729° E  (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of St. Carolus Borromeus

Below is a location map and aerial view of St. Carolus Borromeus. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  1. Description St. Charles Borromeo's Church - Diocese of Antwerpen

More Information

Article Info

Title:St. Carolus Borromeus, Antwerp
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:08/20/2009
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/belgium/antwerp-st-carolus-borromeus-church
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/belgium/antwerp-st-carolus-borromeus-church">St. Carolus Borromeus, Antwerp</a>