Church of Capuchins, Ostend

If the exterior of this small church located in the city center, appears very sober, it is nevertheless worth pushing the door (watch out for the limited opening hours) to discover the richness of its baroque interior. A descriptive leaflet (also in French) is available at the entrance to the church. Note in particular, the beautiful altar-post with oak portico, with a 'Descent of the Cross'. The Capuchin Church, whose origins date back to 1618, is ostend's second oldest building, after St. Peter's Tower. The monastery to which she was deputy did not survive the French revolution. See the model of the estate in the 1700s inside. Located in the heart of the former fishermen's quarter, the church was known for the cult of Saint Anthony of Padua, patron saint of fishermen and sailors. No wonder, then, that there are many ex-votos and model boats, offered by the sailors in recognition of their safe return from their perilous sea voyage.

We can not judge the Interior of this church closed during our passage and often closed it seems. From the outside, it is an architecture we can no more banal that one discovers that more is in a not very pleasant environment.