Cathedral of Our Lady

The Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) is a stunning Roman Catholic cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium. Construction of the current building began in 1352 and, although the first stage of construction ended in 1521, the building remains technically 'unfinished' to this day as its planned second tower was never fully realized.

The cathedral's 123-meter-tall north tower dominates the city's skyline and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France. The gothic architecture is celebrated as one of the finest in Northern Europe. Designed by architects Jan and Pieter Appelmans, its nave reaches soaring heights, characterized by complex rib vaulting and magnificent flying buttresses.

Beyond its architectural significance, the Cathedral of Our Lady acts as an extraordinary art gallery. It harbors four major masterpieces by the baroque master Peter Paul Rubens: The Raising of the Cross, The Assumption of the Virgin, The Descent from the Cross, and The Resurrection of Christ. Visitors are drawn from around the globe to witness the sublime intersection of faith, art, and history.