Christ the King Church

Christ the King Church is quite different from all the other Antwerp churches.

Architect Jos Smolderen conceived this art deco church of Romanesque byzantine inspiration, as a pavilion of Flemish religious art for the Antwerp Universal Exhibition of 1930. Afterwards it became a parish church. With its 64m tall tower and three monumental domes it is a prominent element of the city skyline.

It is a cross-shaped basilicaA rectangular building consisting of a central nave with a side aisle on each side. On the short side opposite the entrance, there is a round extension, the apse, where the altar is located. The Antwerp Saint Charles Borromeo church is based on this basilica structure.
An honorary title awarded to a church because of its special significance, for example as a place of pilgrimage. There are 29 basilicas in Belgium, the best known of which are the Basilica of Scherpenheuvel and the Basilica of Koekelberg. Worldwide this is Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. These churches do not have the architectural form of a basilica.
oriented from east to west. Its interior is strongly determined by the magnificent incidence of light. The neo-styles have a strikingly homogenous character, which shows best in the usage of mainly white marble and brass for the numerous altars, the pulpit, the choir stallsA series of seats, usually in wood, along the long sides of the choir. These seats are reserved for those who pray and sing the choir prayers., the communionThe consumption of consecrated bread and wine. Usually this is limited to eating the consecrated host. rails and the confessionals.

Also due to the contemporary works of art this church is an exceptional experience: the extraordinary stained glass windows by Jos Michiels (Calders Workshop), the austere sculptures by Alfons De Roeck and the magnificent luminaires.

A special attraction is the enormous electropneumatic Klais Organ (1930) with 5,564 pipes, which is regularly played in concerts and masses and during the annual organ cycle in October.

The church is within easy reach by private and public transport. It is open to visitors every day. Not to be missed!