Changes have been made to the interior layout of Antwerp Cathedral in the hope of providing the numerous tourists from at home and abroad that visit this Roman Catholic church a better overview of the building. Chairs and benches have been removed to create more space. Visitors are also guided past 12 unique sights.
The interior of Antwerp's Cathedral of Our Lady has been revamped. "We are constantly looking for ways to make the cathedral mean more to people's lives. This may be on a religious level, but we certainly also wish to take account of the tourists visiting," explains parish priest Bart Paepen.
"We have created a lot of space and openness. For instance, a lot of chairs and benches have been put away. The message is clear: please breathe in this space. A Gothic church building like this is made for people to experience something in their inner being."
From 'Mother and Child' to 'Living Church'
Visitors are guided past 12 unique sights, known as the 'Highlights of the Cathedral'. These are divided into four themes: 'Mother and Child', 'Life and Death', 'Industrious Man' and 'Living Church'.
Scan a QR code and you will get background information in Dutch and English. "This may include poetry, interesting facts, anecdotes but also more profound information. People who prefer a paper version can buy a visitor's guide," explains the cleric.
The new set-up was created with the support of Tourism Flanders and the Province of Antwerp. "For us, it is important that churches are accessible on all levels," says Peter De Wilde, the CEO of the tourism agency.
"Both on a physical level, for people with disabilities, for example, but also on an intellectual level, so that everyone understands what they are seeing in religious spaces like this. That is no longer a foregone conclusion, because young people often no longer get a religious upbringing."