Behind the Scenes at the Cathedral in Antwerp
-
Port
Antwerp, Belgium
-
Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At (prices in USD)
$90
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
Belfries of Belgium and France
"While Italian, German and English towns mainly opted to build town halls, in part of north-western Europe, greater emphasis was placed on building belfries. Compared with the keep (symbol of the seigneurs) and the bell-tower (symbol of the Church), the belfry, the third tower in the urban landscape, symbolizes the power of the aldermen. Over the centuries, they came to represent the influence and wealth of the towns."
Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in Belgium on this behind-the-scenes glimpse of some unexpected spaces.
Follow your guide from the ship, on foot, through the Old Town of Antwerp. You'll discover the area surrounding Market Square, with its gabled guild houses, cafés, the Brabo statue, and City Hall. You'll pass through Pie Alley (Vlaaikensgang) -- an alley that is typical of medieval Antwerp -- en route to Groenplaats. The latter is home to a statue of the famous Belgian painter P.P. Rubens.
Your destination is the Cathedral of Our Lady. Many have visited this stunning Gothic masterpiece, but few have seen it from the perspective offered to you today. A docent guide leads you to places that you would never have thought were part of a cathedral. A number of significant works by the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens grace the interior, and the view of the garden from the building is a special highlight.
Afterwards, your guide accompanies you back to the ship on foot. Guests who wish to stay in town to shop or explore independently are welcome to do so (time permitting), but must make their own way back to the ship.
Please note: Approximately 1½ miles of walking is required on this tour. There are many steps to negotiate in the cathedral. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
This tour is non refundable within 21 days of the port of call.