Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is the largest Gothic church in the Low Countries and is on UNESCO's World Heritage list for its impressive belfry tower. Construction began in 1352 and lasted more than 170 years. Inside, the cathedral keeps four masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, including The Raising of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross, which attract visitors from all over the world.
The cathedral is partly wheelchair-accessible. Because the main entrance is reached via steps, wheelchair users use the adapted side entrance on the south side where a ramp is provided. Once inside, the church is largely level and accessible; the nave and most side chapels are easy to reach. The high altar and some chapels are harder to reach due to a few steps. Adapted toilets are available in the visitor centre.
Wheelchair users and their companion are admitted free of charge on presentation of a disability card. Groenplaats, the square in front of the cathedral, is completely level and has an accessible pre-metro stop. Reduced-mobility parking spaces are available in the Grote Markt and Oudaan car parks. Staff are happy to provide extra information and assistance where needed.
Good to know
- Reservation
- An individual visit does not require booking, but buying tickets online avoids queues. Wheelchair users and their companion are admitted free with a disability card.
- Busy and quiet times
- Very busy on cruise ship days, during school holidays and on Saturday afternoons when tourists gather around the Rubens works. The quietest times are weekdays early in the morning and late afternoon.
- Things to note
- The main entrance has steps; wheelchair users use the side entrance with a ramp on the south side. The high altar zone and some side chapels have steps, and sight lines onto the Rubens paintings can be tight around the Raising of the Cross at peak times.
- Visit tip
- Visit early in the morning (shortly after opening) for a quiet experience of the four Rubens works; park in the Oudaan car park with accessible bays and walk via the entirely level Groenplaats to the side entrance.