Antwerp
Places of Interest
Belgium is renowned for its impressive town squares, and Antwerp’s 16th century Grote Markt is one of the finest in the country. The Renaissance-style Stadhuis (town hall) is the focal point of the square. Another striking feature is the fountain depicting Brabo, the legendary symbol of the city who is fabled to have slain a giant who guarded the nearby River Scheldt and cut off the hands of travellers who didn’t pay him a toll to cross. After defeating the giant, Brabo cut off his hand and threw it into the river.
Just off the square to the south east is the Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal, a stunning gothic cathedral with a grandiose exterior and a bright, spacious interior filled with numerous artistic treasures, among them works by Rubens such as The Raising of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Resurrection and The Assumption.
From the other side of the square to the west stands Antwerp Castle. Built at a time when most castles and other dwellings were normally constructed of wood, the stone edifice of Antwerp Castle was a striking landmark. Known as ‘t Steen (The Stone) it stands by the river and once formed part of the town’s fortifications.
Antwerp’s main shopping street, the Meir, leads from the station to the historic old town. Above the busy pedestrian street and shop window displays are some splendid examples of Rococo architecture – the Osterrieth House and the former royal residence of the Belgian kings. Just off the Meir is the Stock Exchange. Although it has been relocated and renovated several times over the centuries (the current building was completed in the late 19th century), the Antwerp Stock Exchange is reputed to be the oldest in the world, dating back to the 15th century.
Just off the square to the south east is the Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal, a stunning gothic cathedral with a grandiose exterior and a bright, spacious interior filled with numerous artistic treasures, among them works by Rubens such as The Raising of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Resurrection and The Assumption.
From the other side of the square to the west stands Antwerp Castle. Built at a time when most castles and other dwellings were normally constructed of wood, the stone edifice of Antwerp Castle was a striking landmark. Known as ‘t Steen (The Stone) it stands by the river and once formed part of the town’s fortifications.
Antwerp’s main shopping street, the Meir, leads from the station to the historic old town. Above the busy pedestrian street and shop window displays are some splendid examples of Rococo architecture – the Osterrieth House and the former royal residence of the Belgian kings. Just off the Meir is the Stock Exchange. Although it has been relocated and renovated several times over the centuries (the current building was completed in the late 19th century), the Antwerp Stock Exchange is reputed to be the oldest in the world, dating back to the 15th century.