Nello & Patrasche Statue
A touching marble statue of a boy and his dog, symbolizing loyalty and the poignant tale of 'A Dog of Flanders'.
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A quiet moment of reflection
Nello & Patrasche Statue
Best Time
A quiet moment of reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A touching marble statue of a boy and his dog, symbolizing loyalty and the poignant tale of 'A Dog of Flanders'.
"The sculpture is touching and beautifully crafted—it captures a sense of peace and innocence."
📚 Read the Story First
Understanding 'A Dog of Flanders' deeply enriches the experience of seeing the statue.
📍 Look for the Cathedral
The statue is located directly in front of the Antwerp Cathedral, a prominent landmark.
Highlights
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Nello & Patrasche Statue
In front of Antwerp Cathedral
A boy and his dog sleeping under a cobblestone blanket, a touching tribute to a classic tale.
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There is a statue in Antwerp of a boy and his dog sleeping under a cobblestone blanket
📚 Read the Story First
Understanding 'A Dog of Flanders' deeply enriches the experience of seeing the statue.
📍 Look for the Cathedral
The statue is located directly in front of the Antwerp Cathedral, a prominent landmark.
In front of the Antwerpen cathedral there's a statue in memory of a homeless kid who dreamed about being a painter. He used to peek inside the cathedral, looking for the paintings to try to learn something from them. He died in his sleep, next to his only companion, right outside the cathedral.
Stumbled into this kid and his dog sleeping under brick! Brussels, Belgium
📸 Capture the Emotion
The sculpture beautifully captures peace and innocence; a truly heartwarming sight.
Nello & Patrasche from the novel "A Dog of Flanders". This sculpture is part of the pavement. Antwerpen
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from all over the internet
📚 Read the Story First
Understanding 'A Dog of Flanders' deeply enriches the experience of seeing the statue.
📍 Look for the Cathedral
The statue is located directly in front of the Antwerp Cathedral, a prominent landmark.
📸 Capture the Emotion
The sculpture beautifully captures peace and innocence; a truly heartwarming sight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Nello & Patrasche Statue deeply touching and beautifully crafted, offering a moment of peace and reflection. Its poignant story, combined with its location before the Antwerp Cathedral, makes it a memorable and heartwarming stop for many. While the narrative is tragic, the sculpture itself is seen as a peaceful tribute.
"In front of Antwerp Cathedral, a boy and his dog sleep in each other’s arms. Only a cobblestone blanket covers them.
The statue depicts the poor farmer Nello and his faithful dog, Patrasche. The inseparable pair play the main role in the short story “A Dog from Flanders,” written in 1872 by the British author Uida (pseudonym of Marie Louise Ramée). The author got the idea for her book during a stay in Belgium. Uida was shocked by the way the Belgians treated companion dogs and wanted to expose this injustice. The story takes place in and around Antwerp.
The Dog of Flanders follows the desperate Nello, who, after being wrongly accused of starting a fire in his village, goes to the Antwerp Cathedral to see the works of his favorite painter, Rubens, “The Exaltation of the Cross” and “The Descent from the Cross.” However, due to lack of money, he was unable to see the works of art up close. On Christmas Eve, Nello and his dog entered the cathedral when they found its doors open. The next morning, the boy and his dog were found dead from the cold, under the works of his favorite artist. The novel was translated into Japanese in 1908 and quickly became popular. Its popularity peaked in 1975, when Studio Nippon Animation Co. Ltd. released an animated series about the Nello-Patrasche duo, which was a huge success not only in Japan, but also in Korea and the Philippines.
It took longer for the people of Antwerp to embrace Nello and Patrasche. It was not until the 1980s that the story gained fame in Antwerp and Belgium, and then a small statue of a boy and his dog was finally erected in Hoboken, a suburb of Antwerp where the novel is believed to have taken place. Toyota built a memorial plaque that was placed in front of Antwerp Cathedral, which was later replaced by the marble statue depicting Nello's final moments with Patrasche."
Dimitris
"I really enjoyed visiting the Nello & Patrasche statue in Antwerp. The sculpture is touching and beautifully crafted—it captures a sense of peace and innocence that’s hard to find in most public artworks. Set right outside the cathedral, it blends into the cobbled square in a way that invites people to pause and reflect. It’s even more moving in person if you know the story behind it. A truly heartwarming and memorable stop during my visit to the city—definitely worth seeing if you’re in Antwerp!"
Aleks Malaj
"I looked up the story of Nello & Patrasche only after I saw this sculpture. I wish I read "A Dog of Flanders" by Marie Louisa de la Rame (1872) before coming to Antwerp to have a better appreciation of the architecture and culture of the city.
Definitely worth a read and this sculpture is definitely worth a visit."
Rasikanand Harvind
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The statue is conveniently located right in front of the magnificent Antwerp Cathedral, making it easily accessible by public transport or on foot if you're exploring the city center.
While it's in a prime location, some visitors have noted that roadworks in the area can sometimes make it a bit tricky to spot initially. Keep an eye out near the cathedral entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Nello & Patrasche Statue is an outdoor public artwork and can be viewed and appreciated at any time without a ticket.
As an outdoor sculpture, the Nello & Patrasche Statue is accessible 24/7. You can visit it whenever you are near the Antwerp Cathedral.
📸 📸 Photography
Try capturing the statue from different angles, perhaps with the Antwerp Cathedral as a backdrop. The morning or late afternoon light can add a beautiful glow.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for this public artwork. Feel free to take photos to remember your visit.
🎫 📖 The Story Behind the Statue
The statue depicts Nello, a poor orphan boy, and his loyal dog Patrasche, the protagonists of 'A Dog of Flanders.' They are shown in their final moments, seeking warmth and solace in the Antwerp Cathedral.
'A Dog of Flanders' was written by the British author Ouida (pseudonym of Marie Louise de la Ramée) and published in 1872.
The Antwerp Cathedral is a significant location in the story, as it's where Nello and Patrasche sought refuge and admired the works of Rubens in their final hours.
Yes, the story is particularly beloved in Japan, Korea, and the Philippines, thanks to animated adaptations, and has gained more recognition in Antwerp over time.
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The Poignant Tale of Nello and Patrasche
Despite their struggles, the bond between Nello and Patrasche is unbreakable. Patrasche, a rescued dog, becomes Nello's constant companion and helper, pulling their milk cart. The story takes a tragic turn as they face false accusations and destitution. On Christmas Eve, cold and starving, they find solace in the Antwerp Cathedral, gazing at Rubens's 'The Elevation of the Cross' and 'The Descent from the Cross.' Tragically, they are found the next morning, frozen to death together before the art Nello so admired.
This heartbreaking climax has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, especially in Japan, where adaptations have cemented the story's legacy. The statue, placed before the cathedral, serves as a lasting memorial to their loyalty, Nello's artistic spirit, and the harsh realities of poverty, inviting visitors to reflect on themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of beauty.
Artistic Significance and Location
Visitors often remark on how the statue 'blends into the cobbled square,' inviting a moment of pause and reflection amidst the bustling city. Its placement is deliberate, echoing the final scene of the novel where Nello and Patrasche find their last resting place within the cathedral. The artwork itself is described as 'touching and beautifully crafted,' capturing a profound sense of peace and innocence that moves those who encounter it.
While the story gained widespread popularity internationally before being fully embraced in Antwerp, the statue now stands as a recognized symbol. It’s a testament to how art can immortalize narratives and evoke empathy, making the Nello & Patrasche statue a must-see for those seeking a more profound connection with the city's cultural heritage.
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