Walking with the Saints: Sacred Antwerp and Its Holy Places

We begin in stillness at the hidden Beguinage of Antwerp, where generations of Beguine lived lives of prayer, charity and contemplation without taking permanent monastic vows. The small Saint Catherine’s Church, historic houses and peaceful garden form a remarkable oasis in the heart of the city.

The next chapter of our journey leads us to Saint Paul’s church. Originally part of a Dominican monastery, St. Paul’s is perhaps Antwerp’s most richly decorated church. Expect dazzling baroque altars, over 200 sculptures and Rubens paintings including “The Flagellation of Christ.” The adjacent Calvary Garden is a unique open-air tableau of the Passion, with more than 60 life-size statues.

Mid-tour, we pause for a short refreshment to taste some of Belgium’s greatest delights, offered in cozy cafes and shops around the main square of Antwerp, the Grote Markt.

We then enter Antwerp’s spiritual and artistic heart, the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, one of the great Gothic monuments of the Low Countries. Construction began in 1352 and continued over several centuries, resulting in the vast and richly layered building we see today. Its elegant 123-metre north tower, visible from across the city, forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Belfries of Belgium and France and has long been one of Antwerp’s defining landmarks. Inside, the scale of the cathedral is just as impressive. Soaring Gothic vaults, monumental columns, chapels, stained glass and centuries of religious art reveal the enormous importance of the church to Antwerp’s spiritual and cultural life. Among its greatest treasures are several masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, including The Elevation of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Assumption of the Virgin and The Resurrection of Christ. Works by other important Antwerp and Flemish masters, including Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer and Maerten de Vos, further illustrate the extraordinary artistic heritage of the city.

• The price per group of up to 4 people: € 150 per group
• The price per group of 5 to 8 people: € 170 per group
• The price per group of 9 to 15 people: € 190 per group
• For groups of more than 15 people, please send me an email or complete the booking form, indicating the exact number of people in your group.
   

Please note: Each additional hour is charged at €40 per group for groups of up to 15 people. For groups of more than 15 people, extended-tour pricing is quoted individually.

CHURCH ENTRANCE FEES: 

• Cathedral of Our Lady – € 12 per person
• Saint Charles Borromeo Church – € 5 per person
• Saint Paul’s Church – € 5 per person

• The Walking with the Saints: Sacred Antwerp and Its Holy Places tour has a standard duration of 4 hours. Additional hours can be arranged in advance, subject to availability.
• Please note that the churches included in this tour are active places of worship. Opening hours vary according to the day of the week, season, religious services, restoration works and special events. It may therefore not always be possible to enter every church listed in the itinerary.
• Before your tour, I will check the current opening arrangements and adapt the route to provide the best possible experience. Depending on the date and available time, the tour will include a combination of interior and exterior visits.
• Tourist visits are not permitted during certain religious services, and I will always ensure that our visits respect worshippers and the sacred character of each church.
• The best way to book your tour is by using the booking form on my website. I will carefully check your request and confirm availability within 24 hours.
• You may also send your booking request by telephone at +32 487 670 312, via WhatsApp or Viber, or by email at info@toursinbelgium.com
• If you have special requirements, please let me know in advance.
• Upon confirmation, I will send you a booking reference number by email together with payment instructions.
• Please check the weather conditions before the tour and dress accordingly. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. As the tour includes active places of worship, respectful clothing is also recommended when entering churches.