Antwerpen's Cathedral - Belgium

Antwerpen's Cathedral is one of the most impressive cathedrals I've ever seen. 

I've been to this belgium city almost 5 years ago and Raquel has been there last month for another Postcrossing meeting. She sent me the 1st of these cards, the 2nd is an official and the 3rd was bought by me. 

Built between 1352 and 1521 as one of the world's tallest buildings, Antwerp's majestic cathedral still dominates the city's skyline. Inside are magnificent canvases painted by Rubens.

The Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kathedraal (Cathedral of our Lady) is a masterpiece of lace work in stone.

© Belgium Heritage

Begun in 1352, it is one of the finest gothic buildings in Europe. The church, which became a cathedral in 1559 replaced a Romanesque church built in the twelfth century. The last vestiges of that church were demolished in 1481. 

The overall design of the Antwerp Cathedral is attributed to Jean Appelmans, also known as Jean Amel de Boulogne, although the construction was most likely headed by De Waghemakere. A nineteenth-century monument at the base of the southern spire commemorates the architect. 

The choir and nave were built first between 1352 and 1411. The west front was built later, between 1422 and 1474.

 © Verlag & Design Simon Sauer

BE-163211, sent by Hildegarde.

The last part, the tower, was finished in 1518. Of the two planned towers, only the northern was finished. The octagonal portion of the tower, constructed between 1501 and 1507 was designed by Herman de Waghemakere. Inside the tower is a carillon with forty-seven bells. The actual spire was built by Domien de Waghemakere, Antoon Keldermans II, and Rombout Keldermans between 1508 and 1518. 

 The cathedral was the tallest structure in the Low Countries for several centuries. Even now, the 123 meter (405ft) tall spire reigns over the city. Partly due to height restrictions in Antwerp, it is still the tallest building in the city. As an example of the aspirations of Antwerp in its golden age, Emperor Charles V laid the first stone of a significant extension, three times the size of the current one, which would make it the largest building on earth. Water damage resulting from a severe fire in the nave in 1533, which destroyed the ceiling and the Gothic furniture, prevented the construction of this megalomaniac project. - in: http://www.aviewoncities.com/antwerp/cathedral.htm