Saint Charles Borromeo's Church
Locally known under the Latin name of Sint-Carolus Borromeus, was built between 1614 and 1621 on instructions of the Jesuit order. Hardly a square foot was untouched by art works, and there are dozens of 17th century depictions of the church, it apparently being a popular travel destination at the time.Among the art works, were 39 ceiling paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp's foremost and one of the world's most famed baroque painters. Unfortunately they have all gone now, after a fire destroyed them and many other works in 1718. The church was subsequently rebuilt and opened its doors again. Sketches of about half of the ceiling paintings by Rubens have been preserved and are distributed in various art collections around the world.The church received its present name only in 1803, when the church became a parish church, after the Jesuit order was disbanded by the pope.The facade of the church is impressive and is higher than the church building itself. It is inspired by the Jesuit's mother church in Rome, the Gesu, which was built some 4 decades earlier. The sumptuous decoration on the facade is partly attributable to Peter Paul Rubens.The High Altar of the church is most remarkable.