Sint-Antoniusstraat

St. Andrew's Church in Antwerp is the historic parish church of the Sint-Andries district, which was once known as a poor neighborhood. Construction began in the early 16th century under Augustinian monks, who originally built a chapel before starting work on the monastery church you see today. The history of the site is closely tied to the beginnings of the Reformation in the Netherlands. After the monastery was dissolved and the monks, who had embraced Lutheran teachings, were arrested, the monastery was torn down, but the church was spared. It was consecrated to St. Andrew in 1529 and further expanded as a parish church. A notable part of the local history is the baptism of the writer Hendrik Conscience in this house of worship.

Since 2007, part of the church has been set up as a church museum that sheds light on the social history of the district. The exhibition explores the sharp divide in society between wealthy citizens and poor workers who lived in the St. Andries district. You can visit the church from April to October and gain insight into the parish's eventful past. The museum tells the stories of the people who lived here and illustrates the social change in the district.

In terms of architecture and art history, the church houses outstanding works. Highlights include the Baroque high altar of 1729, which depicts the Assumption of Mary, as well as the naturalistic pulpit from 1821, which shows the calling of the apostles Andrew and Peter. Other notable pieces include the alabaster monument to Mary Stuart, a standing figure of St. Peter by Artus Quellinus, and a silver reliquary. Since 2001, the centuries-old statue of the Madonna has worn a new gown by fashion designer Ann Demeulemeester. The historic organ from 1791 rounds out the offerings.