St. James' Church, Antwerp

Known for its lush and ornate architecture, spectacular interiors, its ambitious rivalry and not to forget the final resting place of much loved Flemish painter P.P.Rubens, the St. James’ Church is a must see in Antwerp.

Probably one of the most visited churches in city, the Saint James’ Church or the St. Jacobskerk attracts tourists from all over the world. The site where the Church now stands was first home to a humble chapel that was en route the burial place of Apostle Jacob also known as James. A larger more prominent structure was later designed to take over the modest chapel. Built over a century, the construction on the structure commenced in the year of 1491 but was not completed until 1656. Financed by high class merchants and noble men, a tower measuring a height of 150m was designed for the Church. This was to compete with the already existent 123m tower that donned on the Cathedral of Our Lady. However, due to the fall in financial conditions, the ambitious tower could never be completed.

Fortunately, the interiors of the Church still stand as proof to the lavish expenses made for the structure. Sumptuously filled with ornate Baroque decorations and design, the interiors of St. James are spell binding.