Saint Anna Tunnel, Antwerp

The Saint Anna Tunnel is one of Antwerp’s most distinctive pieces of infrastructure, linking the historic city centre with the Left Bank beneath the Scheldt River, which bisects the city. Constructed in 1931 and opened in 1933, it was built as an alternative to a bridge that would have disrupted the heavy ship traffic essential to Antwerp’s port. Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the tunnel extends 572 meters and reaches a depth of over 31 meters below the river’s surface.

Built in an Art Deco style, the tunnel is especially known for its original wooden escalators, which remain in operation today. These long, steep escalators descend deep below ground, offering a rare and well-preserved example of early 20th-century engineering. Their warm tones and steady motion create a distinctive first impression as you enter the tunnel.

Inside, the passage is lined with ceramic tiles and follows a gently curving route beneath the river. The space is functional yet atmospheric, occasionally interrupted by historical photographs and displays explaining the tunnel’s construction and role in the city’s development. Although it suffered damage during World War II, it has since been carefully restored and continues to serve as a vital route for daily commuters.

Emerging on the Left Bank, visitors are rewarded with one of the most open views of Antwerp’s skyline, including the tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady rising above the city.