Sint-Anna ten Drieënkerk

Sint-Anna-ten-Drieënkerk is a parish church standing on Hanegraefstraat in Antwerp's Linkeroever district, on the opposite bank of the Scheldt from the city's historic center. Although the settlement known as "Sint-Anneke" traces its roots to a medieval pilgrimage site, the current building is much younger — it was completed in 1970 and only gained protected monument status half a century later, in 2020, in recognition of its historical, architectural and artistic value.

Where does the name come from?

The church has only officially carried the name Sint-Anna-ten-Drieën since 2004. The name refers to an image depicting Mary, her mother Anna, and Jesus, dating from 1667. That image in turn refers back to a medieval chapel dedicated to Saint Anne, which from 1330 onward served as the destination of pilgrimages known locally as "Sint-Anneke" — a tradition that has survived in local memory far longer than the original chapel itself.

What does the interior architecture look like?

The new church was designed by architect Jos Ritzen, who conceived a multipurpose space shaped like a scallop shell — a reference to the symbol carried by pilgrims of Saint James. The interior was designed without any sightline-blocking elements, meaning the altar and liturgical space remain visible from almost anywhere inside. A distinctive feature of the interior is its abstract glass-and-concrete windows, created by French glass artist Jacques Loire of Chartres, a city famous for one of France's most renowned Gothic cathedrals — an interesting point of reference for a maker of modern stained glass.

When was the church consecrated?

Construction was completed in 1970, and the new church was solemnly consecrated on November 28 of that same year by Monsignor Jules Victor Daem, Bishop of Antwerp. Since then it has served as the main place of worship for the residents of the Linkeroever district.

What is the church used for today?

Sint-Anna-ten-Drieën stands out for an unusual profile of activity for a place of worship — it operates as an "eco-church", a "cycling church" and a "fair trade church". These labels reflect the parish's commitment to social and environmental initiatives that go beyond the traditional role of a house of prayer. The building also offers notable functional flexibility: a movable altar and a slightly sloped floor make the space well suited to concerts and exhibitions, not only religious services.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, since 2020 the building has held protected monument status, recognized for its historical, architectural and artistic value.

Who designed the church? The design is the work of architect Jos Ritzen, who gave the interior the shape of a Saint James shell, free of any sightline-blocking elements.

Where do the stained-glass windows come from? The abstract glass-and-concrete windows were created by French artist Jacques Loire of Chartres.

Can concerts or exhibitions be held here? Yes — the movable altar and gently sloped floor make the interior suitable for cultural events as well as liturgical ones.

Where exactly is the church located? On Hanegraefstraat, in the Linkeroever district on the western bank of the Scheldt, facing Antwerp's historic center.