St. James' Church, Antwerp, Gothic church building in Antwerp, Belgium
St. James' Church is a Gothic religious building in Antwerp featuring high stone vaults, pointed arches, and colored stained glass windows throughout its chapels. The interior displays elaborate wooden choir stalls and numerous sculptures crafted by local artisans decorating its walls.
Construction began in 1491, replacing an earlier chapel that served travelers heading to Spain. The church expanded over time as Antwerp developed into one of Europe's major trading centers.
The church served as a gathering place for merchants and pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The tombs of prominent citizens and artists inside reflect how deeply this place was woven into the city's life and identity.
The church is open daily to visitors and can be explored at your own pace through its various spaces. You can move freely between the different chapels and take time to observe the architectural details and artworks.
The renowned painter Peter Paul Rubens lies buried in one of the side chapels, linking this place to the city's artistic golden age. His tomb is one of over 1300 burial sites that underscore how important this location was to Antwerp across many centuries.
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