The Hendrik Conscienceplein is one of the loveliest squares in Antwerp. When the weather is fine and you have some imagination, you might even think you're in Italy.

When you arrive at the square, the Carolus Borromeus Church immediately attracts everyone's attention with his absolutely gorgeous Baroque façade. The church was built in record time between 1615 and 1621 after designs by Pieter Huyssens and the Jesuit François d'Aguilon. It's very likely that Peter Paul Rubens advised and heavily influenced them with his knowledge of Italian architecture.

Hendrik Conscienceplein - Antwerpen visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Hendrik Conscienceplein' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Antwerpen.

Hendrik Conscienceplein is a famous square in Antwerp, named after Hendrik Conscience (1812-1883), a 19C author who was pivotal in promoting reading Flanders. His statue stands in front of the city library (Stadsbibliotheek) on Hendrik Conscienceplein. This market square was built by Jesuit priests in a poor quarter of Antwerp, primarily as a grand statement of the Catholic church to counter the rise of protestantism, explaining some of the architecture here, especially that of the Carolus Borromeus Church also on the square.

Tram: Melkmarkt‎ (10,11), Groenplaats‎ (,2 3, 4, 5, 8, 15)
Metro: Groenplaats‎