Sint-Pauluskerk

Overview

Sint-Pauluskerk (St. Paul's Church) is a late-Gothic Dominican church that hides extraordinary Baroque furnishings and an astonishing collection of paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens, and Caravaggio behind an unassuming exterior.

Highlights

• Painting Collection: Over 200 paintings including Rubens' Scourging at the Pillar and Van Dyck works.
• Calvary Garden: A Baroque outdoor ensemble with 63 life-size statues depicting Christ's Passion.
• Confessionals: Elaborately carved Baroque confessional boxes by Pieter Verbrugghen.

History

Built between 1530 and 1639 by Dominican friars. Nearly destroyed by fire in 1968, the church and its art were saved by a human chain of locals. The paintings rank it among the richest parish churches in Europe.

Visitor Tips

• Free admission. Open afternoons only (14:00–17:00).
• Don't miss the Calvary garden to the left of the church.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.