Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp

The Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) rises beside Handschoenmarkt in the old town of Antwerp, in Flanders, Belgium. It is the largest Gothic church in the country, built between 1352 and 1521, and its 123-metre north spire dominates the city skyline. The interior is a vast, light-filled space with seven aisles and 125 columns, and it serves as a museum of Antwerp Baroque art. Pride of place goes to four altarpieces by Peter Paul Rubens: The Descent from the Cross, The Elevation of the Cross, The Resurrection of Christ and The Assumption of the Virgin, the last of which is mounted in the dome. The Descent from the Cross, painted in 1612, is considered one of the great masterpieces of the Flemish Baroque. Other works include paintings by Otto van Veen and Jordaens, a carved oak pulpit, a choir with carved stalls, and a series of stained-glass windows. The cathedral also has a UNESCO-listed tower, part of the Belfries of Belgium and France, though it is not open for climbing. Visitors usually spend about an hour inside, including time to sit in front of the Rubens triptychs. Audio guides are available at the ticket desk. The surrounding square has good photography angles of the spire, particularly from the Handschoenmarkt and the narrow lanes leading to the Grote Markt. Crowds build from late morning and during cruise-ship days, so a weekday morning right after opening is best. The cathedral is active for worship and concerts, and certain areas can be closed for services, so visitors should check the schedule before arriving. Photography without flash is typically allowed for personal use.