# Sint-Bartholomeuskerk

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Canonical page: https://mytuur.com/en/city/antwerp/spot/sint-bartholomeuskerk/

Content updated: 2026-06-22

Sint-Bartholomeuskerk stands in Merksem, a district of Antwerp, as the area’s oldest parish church. Merksem became an independent parish between 1161 and 1216.

The brick church grows from fifteenth-century origins and carries evidence of rebuilding across later centuries. Workers rebuilt it between 1615 and 1619. Later changes enlarged the building in 1767 and again between 1832 and 1833. Architect Jef Huygh designed a wider transept and larger choir in 1937 and 1938. Bombing destroyed the tower during 1944 and 1945. Restoration from 1947 to 1951 sought to restore the damaged church’s pre-war form.

Cross-shaped planning defines the brick structure, while the west tower rises within the building beneath a bell-shaped spire. A pillory from 1708 stands near the church. Inside, the marble main altar from 1645 anchors furnishings that include a 1756 southern side altar and 1734 communion rail. The church’s choir stalls date from 1661. Paintings include Peter Thijssens’s Holy Family from 1656 and an Assumption of Mary from 1710. Statues of Saint Bartholomew and Our Lady add further historic detail.

- City: [Antwerp](https://mytuur.com/en/city/antwerp/)

## Photos

- ![](https://mytuur-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/image_SintBartholomeuskerk_683ffbaa717a3e13abad47f3_0.jpg) — [Image: wikimedia](https://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Merksem_Sint-Bartholomeuskerk2.JPG)

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