Antwerp is an exciting mix of old and new, and sometimes these two worlds seem to clash, but don’t let the occasional jarring intrusion of modern architecture into the medieval scene put you off. As Belgium’s “second city”, it is a fun place with plenty to discover as you wander historic center.
The city of Antwerp was settled in the 2nd century A.D.; became the main port of the Duchy of Brabant in 1106, and was the hub of a thriving cloth industry for the next 200 years. The city saw its Golden-Age during the 16th and very early 17th century when the city became a center of art and culture and the remains of those golden days are preserved for visitors today.
The city of Antwerp was settled in the 2nd century A.D.; became the main port of the Duchy of Brabant in 1106, and was the hub of a thriving cloth industry for the next 200 years. The city saw its Golden-Age during the 16th and very early 17th century when the city became a center of art and culture and the remains of those golden days are preserved for visitors today.
But…. just minutes from the beautiful Medieval core is a modern shopping street filled with the latest cutting-edge styles. Straight lined contemporary storefronts sit side-by-side with decorative 18th century buildings.
When you have fulfilled all your shopping desires, you can turn off this cosmopolitan street and one block later, you are back in the past and in front of the house of Peter Paul Rubens, the late 16th–early 17th century Baroque painting master.
Small and large squares dot the historic center of Antwerp, some filled with flower markets while others host cafes and market stands. Our hotel, The Hilton Antwerp Hotel, was on the Groenplaats (Green Square).
The two cathedrals, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (largest cathedral in Belgium) and St. Pauluskerk are simply magnificent.
The Grote Markt where the huge market square is surrounded by tall narrow guild-houses; some sporting golden statues on their gables, is a relaxing place to people-watch while drinking a refreshing beer.
The Stadhuis (town-hall) frames the Brabo Fountain which depicts a Roman soldier throwing the severed hand of a mythical giant, an ancient story of the founding of Antwerp.
The narrow medieval era streets lead you to the Vleehuis where the Butcher’s Guild met in 1504 and then on to the banks of the Scheldt River where Antwerp’s Het Steen Castle (14th – 16th century) protected the town and controlled shipping hundreds of years ago.
Antwerp’s historic center is filled with beautiful sights and smells and
we loved exploring it!
we loved exploring it!
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