People with a Mission

influencers for solidarity then and now

Join De Loodsen vzw on a tour of the university district and discover the social influencers throughout 500 years of Antwerp’s urban history!

In the 15th and 16th centuries, monastic orders rose like mushrooms in the neighbourhood around the Van Straelen tower. On a square kilometre between St-Jacobsmarkt and Paardenmarkt, the Capuchin Fathers, the Apostolic Sisters and the Cereal Sisters, among others, were active for the most vulnerable people in society. They dedicated themselves to education, care and nursing.

The monks and nuns are no longer there today, but the solidarity has remained. The buildings were given a new purpose, fascinating what happens there now! In this part of the city, you can also discover many traces of the evolving coexistence between Protestants and Catholics.

Of course, the achievements of the Jesuits cannot be missing from this inspiring walk. The jesuit highlight is the Hof Van Liere of the University of Antwerp.

Practical details

The walk takes about two hours and starts at De Loodsen vzw, Sint-Jacobsmarkt 43, 2000 Antwerp.

This walk is organised from April 2023 on Saturday mornings (except between 15 July and 15 August).

The first Saturday of the month (1 April, 6 May, 3 June, 1 July, 2 September, 7 October) you can register individually (cost 7 euros per person).

The other Saturdays you can register as a group (preferably several weeks in advance), target time 10 am to 12 pm. Groups of maximum 20 adults, cost: 65 euros.

Would you like to join us? Then send an e-mail to tochtenvanhoop@deloodsen.be or call 03/234 05 11.

Organisers