Sint-Anna-ten-Drieënkerk

Sint-Anna-ten-Drieënkerk stands in Antwerp’s Linkeroever district as a parish church shaped by successive buildings. The present church uses post-war modernist design by Jos Ritzen. Its quarter-circle hall, elliptical choir, and surrounding service ring create a distinctive concrete plan. Blue glass walls define its nickname, the Blue Church. Jacques Loire created the blue glass-in-concrete windows, while an open bell tower rises beside the building. Concrete forms the main structure, with brickwork filling some sections. Historical objects connect the modern interior with the site’s earlier churches and religious traditions. A statue of Saint Anne dates from 1667. The interior also preserves a Saint Roch statue, neo-Gothic furnishings, and an organ made by Aerts and Castrel. The altar table follows the design of Jos Ritzen. Earlier parish history includes a pilgrimage tradition devoted to Saint Anne and a chapel associated with Sint-Anneke. The church also hosts concerts and public exhibitions. Its concrete structure, brick sections, and blue windows show how post-war sacred architecture shaped this Antwerp landmark. Its blue windows also contribute to its status as a protected monument.