Alongside the monumental churches of Antwerp are some smaller historical chapels like the craftsmen’s chapel of the dry shavers (‘cloth-finishers’), built in 1512 in the Emperor’s Street from whence it became known as the Emperor’s Chapel.
The flourishing period is here also the 17th century when for instance the parish of St. Willibrord, outside the walls, for security reasons, had its services here. Particularly under the direction of Father Pieter Louwe, the chapel reached its greatest prosperity. The gothic chapel is decorated with some baroque furniture, like the altar, the pulpit, the confessionals, the communion rail, the southern porch, the marble floor, and the beautiful monstrance. Also the devotion to St. Liborius made the chapel very famous.
After the French closed the chapel at the end of the eighteenth century, the chapel became the first church in Antwerp which was reopened for the Catholics. In the 19th century, the chapel became a private property, and it escaped the sledgehammer several times. Afterwards and until today, it has functioned as the monastery chapel for the Missionaries of Africa, the 'White Fathers', who have here in Antwerp’s harbour their departure point for their missions overseas. At the end of the 19th century, some jewel-like glass windows were added which show the life of the young Virgin Mary. In 1994, the chapel was re-opened in its former glory, thanks to the patronage of X. Nieberding. The chapel also functions these days as the chapel for the (Catholic) English speaking community in Antwerp.
Laatste wijziging op 9/8/2002
Description St. Ann's chapel