The cathedral was built in honor of Saint Rombout (Rumbold), a seventh century Irish missionary. Twenty-five paintings in the choir illustrate the life of the saint. The construction was started shortly after 1200, and during the final phase in 1452-1520, the tower was built. The spire was never completed; the flat-topped silhouette of the cathedral's tower is easily recognizable and dominates the surroundings. The interior features a Baroque choir and a high altar by Lucas Faydherbe, as well as paintings by Anthony van Dyck and others. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.