St. Charles Borromeo Church. Antwerp, Belgium

Located on Hendrik Conscienceplein, St. Charles Borromeo Church (Sint-Carolus Borromeuskerk) is a Baroque masterpiece built by the Jesuits between 1615 and 1621. Inspired by Rome’s Church of the Gesu, it was once called “heaven on earth” for its grandeur and spiritual beauty.

The dramatic facade, adorned with statues of Jesus, Mary, and saints, reflects the Baroque style’s theatricality and harmony. Inside, the high altar features a unique pulley system that rotates monumental altarpieces throughout the year. Though Rubin’s original 39 ceiling paintings were lost in a 1718 fire, his artistic influence is evident in the Lady Chapel and the 58-meter Baroque tower.

Home to a collection of fragile 17th-century lace and silk, the church also offers serene spaces for reflection and hosts the Sunday Artists’ Mass. Whether admiring its art or architecture, St. Charles Borromeo Church is a must-visit for anyone exploring Antwerp.