Originally, Saint Paul’s Church was part of a large Dominican abbey. It was consecrated in 1571 as a replacement for another church. A new Baroque steeple was built after a ravaging fire destroyed the church in 1679.
The church's striking interior hosts fifty paintings by renowned Antwerp masters,
Rubens
,
Van Dyck
and
Jordaens
, over 200 sculptures, beautiful Baroque altars and sculpted church furniture, widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful in the world. The organ was built in the 17th century, but has been repeatedly restored and expanded.
An
eye-catching feature
is the 18th century Calvary with sixty life-sized figures, next to the church on the corner of Veemarkt and Zwartzustersstraat.
St Paul’s Church is open to the public between 14.00 and 17.00 on weekends, with the Calvary open until 16.00.
From 19 to 27 December the church will be open daily from 14.00 to 17.00, with plenty to admire, including the Nativity scene.