Sint Jacobskerk, Antwerp
Aerial view of St. James' Church. Image © Google Earth.
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Sint Jacobskerk (St. James' Church) in Antwerp is a 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic church with a Baroque interior. Originally a chapel for medieval pilgrims, it was later enlarged by wealthy merchants and is now best known as the final resting place of the artist Peter Paul Rubens.
History
In 1431, an inn was founded on this site to provide shelter for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. A modest chapel was added a few decades later when the community was elevated to a parish church.
In 1491, construction began on the present Church of St. James in Brabantine-Gothic style. At that time, this area was inhabited by the upper middle classes, and they planned to show off their wealth by building a tower taller than that of the city's Cathedral of Our Lady. However, due to various factors the tower only reached one-third of its intended height, at 55 meters.
The second half of the 16th century saw the Iconoclasm, a short-lived cohabitation between Catholics and Protestants, Calvinist dominance and finally, after 1585, a return to Catholic worship.
In the first half of the 17th century, the eastern extension was further developed in Gothic style. Many tradesmen and wealthy nobles donated particular pieces of furniture, ornaments, and building materials.
What to See
St. James' Church features 23 altars, opulent decorations throughout, and more than 100 types of marble.
Rubens' tomb lies behind the main altar in the Chapel of Our Lady (better known as the Rubens Chapel). The painting of Our Lady Surrounded by Saints was painted by the artist himself for his memorial. Look for Rubens as St. George. Several other pieces by Rubens are here, as well as some by van Dyck and other prominent artists.
Rubens is joined in his eternal slumber by many of Antwerp's high and mighty, and by a glittering collection of gold and silver and religious objects. The Rubens Chapel is one of seven chapels bordering the opulent semicircular ambulatory behind the high altar.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Sint Jacobskerk; St. James Church; Church of St. James; St. Jacob's Church |
| Type of site: | Parish church |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic |
| Date: | 1491 |
| Status: | Active |
| Address: | Lange Nieuwstraat 73, Antwerp, Belgium |
| Location: | A short walk east of the city center, north of the Rubens House |
| Phone: | 03/232-10-32 |
| Cost: | 2€ adults, 1.50€ students, children free |
| Hours: | Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 2-5pm; Nov-Mar Mon-Sat 9am-noon. Closed to tourist visits on religious holidays and during services. |
Travel Resources
- Antwerp Hotel Reviews - unbiased ratings from fellow travelers
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- Antwerp Travel Forum- tips, advice, invaluable information
Sources
- Antwerp: St. James' Church - Trabel.com
- Description St. James Church - Diocese of Antwerp
More Information
- Photos of Saint James Church - Belgium View
