Master Tour Peter Paul Rubens: the genius of Antwerp

At the Rubenshuis, the heart of Rubens’ dynamic universe beats. Even though his art can be admired in museums around the world, it is only here that you can truly feel the master: in the place where he worked and lived, and experienced the ups and downs of life.    

Rubens was more than a painter. He was also a man of flesh and blood. You can feel that during the Rubens Experience: you meet Rubens, get under his skin and recognise a piece of the master within yourself.    

Bring this remarkable meeting to a close in the Baroque garden, where Rubens had a hand in the design. This garden is home to plants that were already blooming in the gardens of Antwerp in his time.  

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Also walk past house no. 54 ‘De Kleine Sint-Arnold’ on the Meir. This is where Rubens’ mother lived with her children from 1587 to 1601. The inscription on the façade - translated from Latin - reads: ‘1567. In this house lived the illustrious Jan Rubens and Maria Pypelinckx, parents. Rebuilt 1854’.  

Fancy something sweet? Nearby you will find the Palace on the Meir, home to The Chocolate Line. Here you are welcome to treat yourself to the delicious chocolates of master chocolatier Dominique Persoone. 

This unique museum, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was once the workshop of the famous printing family Plantin-Moretus. Admire the historic print shop with authentic printing presses and typesetting machines. Discover the secrets of bookbinding and view the impressive collection of old prints.

Rubens’ work can be admired here too. Indeed, he was friends with publisher Balthasar Moretus. The master designed title pages for the books and painted portraits of the Moretus family.

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Where did Rubens and Moretus met? At school! In their childhood, they attended Latin lessons with Master Rumoldus Verdonck in the cathedral school. Today this building is home to Brasserie Appelmans where you can savour Flemish classics such as beef stew made with Antwerp beer. 

The Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp’s icon, towers high above the city. This Gothic cathedral, with its famous Tower of Our Lady, has been the symbol of the city for centuries. Inside, you will discover a wealth of art, including no fewer than four masterpieces by Rubens.

The Elevation of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross and the painting above the high altar, Assumption of the Virgin together offer an overview of the development of his style - from fierce, dark drama to graceful loveliness. The Chapel of Our Lady of Peace houses a fourth Rubens: the triptych depicting the Resurrection of Christ, which he painted for the tomb of Jan Moretus and Martina Plantijn, the successors of Antwerp printer Christopher Plantijn.

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Rubens’ statue is nearby, on Groenplaats in Antwerp. There you will also find the famous Antwerp chip shop Fritkot Max. So those who are hungry can enjoy a portion of fries under the approving eye of the Flemish Master.

Fancy spending the night in a Rubens-themed atmosphere? Wend your way to Hotel O Kathedral. Here you sleep in rooms decorated with fragments from works by Rubens. Highly recommended if you want to complete this tour in several stages. 

St Paul’s Church overwhelms you with an abundance of art and history. This impressive building, with its mix of Gothic and Baroque, is a work of art in itself.

Several Flemish Masters can be seen with their very best work in this church. These include The Flagellation by Rubens.  

St Paul’s Church will be restored in 2025. Some works are temporarily not on display as a result. For The Flagellation, this is fortunately not the case.  

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Want to see even more of Antwerp? The Flanders’ Finest Antwerp highlights route passes by St Paul’s Church. This bicycle tour takes you from the city centre to the most beautiful spots outside the city centre. Rent bicycles at Central Station from Blue Bike, Cyclant or Group Intro. You’ll also find Velo Antwerp’s shared bikes all over the city.  

Thirsty from all that pedalling? Along the way, you pass not one but two breweries! The Antwerp Brewing Company is known for its Seef beer and at Brewery De Koninck you can opt for Antwerp classics such as Bolleke and Tripel d’Anvers. In both breweries you are also welcome to take a tour. 

“Heaven on earth”, Antwerp residents called this triumphant Baroque church, with its lavish front façade, refined interior and sublime Rubens chapel. Also to admire here is The return of the Holy Family, the masterpiece that Nicolaas Rockox – mayor of the city and personal friend of the painter – donated to the church in 1620.  

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Rubens was also an avid art collector. For example, he was the lucky owner of a Quinten Matsijs from 1514. Near the St Charles Borromeo Church is Antwerp’s oldest café, named after the painter. You are welcome in ‘the Quinten’ for a refreshing pint and a quick bite to eat.

Nearby you’ll also find Hotel Flora, a beautiful boutique hotel located in a number of adjoining old houses. These places were once inhabited by wealthy merchants and prominent families, including, indeed: the Moretus family. 

Rubens found his final resting place in this Gothic church. The marble decoration, the 24 altars and the rich art treasures make your visit more than worthwhile. The pilgrims to Santiago de Compostella think so too, because St James’s Church is a regular stop on their way.

In the altar of Rubens’ burial chapel, you can admire his Madonna Adored by Saints. At his express wish, this work was given a place in his future burial chapel. You will also find the statue Our Lady of Sorrows by Lucas Faydherbe, a favourite pupil of Rubens.

The Rubens Chapel is currently being restored and is not accessible to visitors. The reopening is planned for the first quarter of 2026.  

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Rubens was also an excellent businessman. And doing business took place in 16th-century Antwerp at the Handelsbeurs. Today, the magnificent building houses the elegant restaurant Fiera.  

Would you also like an elegant overnight stay? Then you are welcome at Sapphire House. The name of this beautiful hotel is a reference to Antwerp’s rich history as the diamond capital of the world.