Take a moment to look up at the Capuchin Monastery in front of you. Doesn’t it look peaceful, almost as if time just slowed down on this little corner of Antwerp? But if these bricks could talk, I bet they’d have more gossip than a soap opera set!
Let’s roll back to the year 1619. This spot was once home to the zusters from Oostmalle, a group of determined sisters with a dream of quiet prayer-until, of course, Antwerp happened. By 1630, they built their own monastery right here on Korte Winkelstraat. But as history likes to do, it shook things up. In 1798, the monastery was closed down-so much for peace and quiet.
Then, in 1856, the Capuchin monks took over. Picture them looking around and thinking, “Well, this old monastery is more warehouse than house of worship,” because for years, that’s what it was-a storage place. But the Capuchins cleaned things up and put the church back to its holy use.
Now, don’t let the serious brick facade fool you-inside, the St. Francis Church is humble, but graceful. See that small pointed roof and the statue of Saint Francis in the niche? It’s almost like he’s standing guard, making sure nobody sneaks in an extra bag of warehouse goods.
The organ, if you ever peek inside, has its own travel story. Built by Emile Kerkhoff back in 1910, it started out in a different Capuchin monastery in Izegem. When that was demolished, the organ packed its pipes and moved here in 2017. Talk about a musical second act!
And, tucked away in the monastery garden is a statue of Our Lady, Immaculate Conception, from 1859. It’s survived demolitions, relocations, and probably a few stormy Antwerp afternoons.
So next time someone says monasteries are boring, just remember this one: once a home for sisters, turned into a warehouse, reborn by monks, expanded, renovated, and still quietly watching over Antwerp-definitely not your average monastery story, right?
Ready for our next stop? The Kipdorp Bridge awaits. Let’s hope the only thing stacked there is a great view!
