This is, to us Antwerpians, what the statue of liberty is for New Yorkers. If you ask a local what is the most Antwerp-thing they know, I bet most of them will say the Cathedral. With beautiful paintings of the famous Peter Paul Rubens this Gothic Church stands proud in our skyline since 1352.
Antwerpians are very proud of their city and if you would tell them you wouldn't be interested in the Cathedral they will be shocked. I'm not saying you have to do it. But you won't experience Antwerp's true beauty if you have not visited the Cathedral.
Might look up some of the history before going http://www.dekathedraal.be/en/index.htm
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