The City of Antwerp

When visiting Belgium, the city of Antwerp is an exceptional stop. In the center of the city, you will discover a beautiful fountain known as the Brabo fountain, which is a monument in honor of Antwerp’s mythical hero, Silvius Brabo. Legend has it that Brabo was capable of driving off a giant that was demanding tolls from any ships passing through the port. The legend goes on to say that if anyone refused, the giant would chop his hands off. Taking revenge, Brabo too a cleaver and chopped off the hand of the giant, throwing it into the Scheldt River. From that time on, the town’s name was changed to Antwerp, which translates to “hands throw”.

From the center of town, you can look out north to the Grote Markt’s center where you will see a row of guild houses, which have all been restored over the years to their original glory. Just behind the houses is the 1566 Stadhuis, which is just one of the Northern Renaissance’s most powerful and important buildings. As a city proud of its artistic heritage, specifically connections with Rubens who was born and raised there, painting in the city and around the port area. When in Antwerp, you can visit 1566 Stadhuis, which has since been completely renovated.

Throughout Antwerp and other areas of Belgium, you will find trails of amazing architecture and art. One considered the largest Gothic structure in the entire country is called Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Katedraal. The arches of this cathedral are magnificent and something everyone should see. In addition, you will find three original paintings done by Rubens, hanging proudly inside. Of the three, all which are magnificent, the most impressive is called “Descent from the Cross”. In addition to Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Katedraal, this city offers many wonderful museums and galleries.

Another fascinating aspect of Antwerp is that unlike Germany that makes exceptional beer, Belgium seldom makes or drinks beer. However, the city of Antwerp is the exception where outstanding beer can be enjoyed. An excellent place to go where you can try any of more than 500 Belgium beers is a place called the Kulminator, a city center bar where locals and visitors alike gather.

Obviously, Belgium offers many exceptional cities that provide a unique look into the life of the Belgium people. For example, Brussels is an interesting mix of ancient and modern. With incredible museums and Europe’s most beautiful central square called the Grand Place, this too is a wonderful destination. Then there is the city of Bruges, a well-preserved medieval city, which is actually the one that receives the greatest number of visitors. There, you can enjoy the 13th century living museum called Groeninge Museum.

After visiting Antwerp, two other cities to consider visiting include Ghent and the Ardennes. This city is also an amazing medieval place that is steeped in history. The belfort is worth climbing and at Sint-Baafskathedral, you can rest your eyes on the most magnificent masterpiece by Jan van Eyck called “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Finally, the Ardennes is a place with lots of deep river valleys and dense forests. The shopping is excellent, as are the views of the valleys and hillsides.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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