Sint-Amanduskerk

Sint-Amanduskerk rises in northern Antwerp as a neo-Gothic church dedicated to Saint Amandus. Its 68-metre tower, pointed arches, tall windows and flying buttresses shape a striking vertical silhouette. Three gabled portals lead inside, where ribbed vaults cover the nave and the choir brings together stained glass and a marble floor.

Architect Lodewijk Baeckelmans drew the first plans in 1865, then moved the tower from above the entrance to the church’s side. Construction began in 1870 on ground 2.75 metres below street level, requiring high foundations. After Baeckelmans died in 1871, his brother Frans continued the work, while Jules Bilmeyer completed later details. The church received its blessing in 1874 and its consecration in 1902, after the main altar was finished. Later changes added stained glass, side altars from around 1931 and an oak altar installed in 1985.

Look towards the high choir for several depictions of Saint Amandus among the coloured windows. During the Second World War, a dry-sand bunker protected the pulpit, leaving an unusual chapter in the building’s history.