Antwerp

Overview

Antwerp is one of the Belgium cities where you can fancy yourself the King of Belgium over a glass of Koninck beer (or one of the other 400 brands) with a view on the old guildhouses on the Grote Markt. Belgium's second city, and the biggest one of Flanders, is also a receptacle of monuments, museums and churches. Besides this, the city of Rubens, is the world�s centre for diamond processing as well as Belgium�s primary seaport.

The heart of the city on the Scheldt beats at the 'Grote Markt', an irregularly-shaped square, surrounded by decorative guild housedating from the 16th and 17th century. This square is home to the statue of Brabo. According to a 16th century legend, his action of 'handwerpen' (Dutch for 'flinging your hand') led to the city's name. Silvius Brabo is said to have flung the hand of Antigonus, a giant who terrorized passing ships. The 15th century City Hall on the square shows a successful blend of the Flemish style and Italian Renaissance characteristics. Southeast of the square, you can see the 'Onze Lieve Vrouw Cathedral', a beautiful Gothic cathedral which will throw the rest of the square in the shade.

Antwerp's most famous resident is undoubtedly Pieter Paul Rubens. The painter's, and diplomat's, spirit is present all throughout town. His statue is at the 'Groenplaats' and he was buried at the St Paulus kerk. Many churches are enriched with his paintings. The Rubenshuis, the place where the painter lived and worked, still exudes the...more

History