Saint George
Mechelseplein 22
2000 Antwerpen
Church | XIX | Neogothic | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 January - 31 December
Mon -
Tue -
Wed -
Thu 13.30 - 15.30
Fri 9.00 - 12.00 • 14.00 - 16.00
Sat 14.00 - 16.00
Sun 10.15 - 12.15
Guided tour
Hilde Coenen - coenenh@live.be +32 3 219 09 46
Religious offices
Description
Very close to the ‘Mechelspleintje’ (Mechelen square) is the church of Saint George. This Neo-Gothic church was built in 1853 according to plans by Suys. It replaced a Gothic church dating from the 13th century which had been destroyed by the French in 1798. Between the two towers, each measuring 50 m, the statue of Saint George can be seen on a triangular pediment.
In the interior, Godfried Guffens and Jan Swerts richly decorated the church with mural paintings whose completion took thirty years. These represent scenes from the life of Jesus and his suffering on the cross. These paintings refer to the church as fighting and suffering.
The statue of Our Lady of the Citadel, which was formerly found in the ‘Zuidkasteel’, the Spanish citadel, was transported to the Church of Saint George after the French Revolution. For this statue of the Virgin there is a cloak, dating from 1867, magnificently embroidered by Louis Van Moock which was inspired by the majestic cloak of Our Lady of Good Help of the Church of Saint Andrew. About ten symbols of the Marian virtues adorn the hem of this cloak.
The reliquary of the forty saints that are protectors against cholera and other infectious diseases, made of gilded brass, dates from 1878. The historic stained glass windows (Jean-Baptist Capronnier 1871/75) have all been restored. The remarkable 17th-century procession statue, known as ‘Ouwe Voetboogh’, refers to the patron saint, Saint George.
If you have time, take the Lange Gasthuisstraat (the long street of the hospital). Opposite the Mechelspleintje is the Saint Elizabeth hospital. Dare to cross through the portal. On your right, you will discover a small 15th century chapel where chamber music small concerts are regularly held.
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Photos
Media
Remarkable elements
Equestrian statue
17th-century equestrian statue of Saint George and the dragon
Side chapel
Side chapel on the right with image of Our Lady of the Castle in solid oak. Round stained glass window.
The way of the cross
The Way of the Cross in 14 stations – Embossed copperwork by Lambrecht van Ryswyck (Antwerp, 3 May 1822 – Antwerp, 24 July 1894). Other works by him can also be found under the main altar.
Stained glass windows
Stained glass windows made by Jean-Baptiste Capronnier (Paris, 1 February 1814 – Schaerbeek, 31 July 1891). In the chancel, the Antwerp saints Norbert and Willibrord, and above the rood screen, among others, three patron saints of church music.
Façade
Richly decorated façade
Similar church: Sainte Clothilde in Paris.
Wall paintings
Wall paintings Godfried Guffens (Hasselt, 22 July 1823 – Schaarbeek, 11 July 1901) & Jan Swerts (Antwerp, 25 December 1820 – Mariënbad, 11 August 1879), 14 scenes created using various techniques between 1858 and 1871.
Noteworthy: the text is in Dutch, which was not common in Belgium at the time, as it was still largely French-speaking.
Also noteworthy: Peter Benoit (Harelbeke, 17 August 1823 – Antwerp, 8 March 1901) composed his Drama Christi to accompany the murals, which he conducted himself at the solemn inauguration of the murals on Monday 27 November 1871.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
