Antwerp Things To Do

Market Square (Grote Markt)
The centre of historical Antwerp, with its ornate guildhouses built in Flemish-Italian Renaissance style and 16th century city hall (Stadhuis). In the centre of the square is a 19th century statue of Brabo who is the symbol of the city. According to legend, a giant would cut off the hand of any sailor who could not pay the toll to sail on the River Scheldt on which the city lies. The giant was eventually defeated by a Roman, Silvius Brabo, who then became the Duke of Brabant.

City Hall (Stadhuis)
The foundation stones of the city hall were laid in 1561 and it took exactly 4 years to build. Designed in a Renaissance style by a number of collaborative architects it was twice rebuilt due to fire, once by the Spanish in 1576 and again in 1794 after the French invasion.

Our Lady's Cathedral (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedrall)
Handschoenmarkt
This cathedral lays claim to being the largest gothic church in Belgium. A chapel was built on the site in the 13th century and work on the cathedral itself began in the 14th century. This was interrupted by fire and damage caused at the time of the French revolution and resulted in the destruction of many of the cathedrals original features. A 25 year renovation project which was completed recently has restored much of the cathedrals original grandeur. The interior is filled with beautiful stained glass windows and a fine collection of sculptures and paintings, some by the celebrated Belgian artist Pieter Paul Rubens including The Assumption and The Descent from the Cross.

St Jacob's Church (St Jacobskerk)
Lange Nieuwstraat
The interior of this church is decorated in heavy baroque style and is best known for being the burial place of the artist Rubens. The painting Our Lady Surrounded by Saints hangs over his tomb and it is said that he painted it solely for this purpose.

Rubens House (Rubenshuis)
9/11 Wapper
This was home to the artist for most of his life. Born in 1577, Rubens started his career as an apprentice to several outstanding artists before travelling to Italy in 1600 to study the Italian masters. He brought the house in 1611 shortly after his return from Italy and was soon appointed court and city painter by Archduke Albrecht. The house had several owners before being bought by the city of Antwerp and fully renovated and restored. There is a semi-circular gallery which is based on the Pantheon in Rome where the artist displayed his collection of sculpture and a studio with mezzanine where potential buyers were able to view his work.

St Paul's Church (St Pauluskerk)
Nosestraat
The baroque interior of this church contains some beautiful wood panelling along with works from the Flemish masters including Rubens and Van Dyck, whilst the exterior is in 16th century gothic style with a 17th century bell tower.

Zurenborg Quarter
Near Berchem Station
This district is an art-nouveau wonder with over 170 houses now designated as listed buildings.

St Charles Borromeus Church (St Carolus Borromeuskerk)
Hendrik Conscienceplein
The church of St Carolus stands on one side of this pretty square with the city library on the other. The façade is ornate with columns and elaborate statues. There were frescoes and altarpieces by the artist Rubens but these were destroyed by fire in 1718.

Central Station
If you don't arrive in Antwerp by train, then the station itself is well worth a visit. Built in 1905 in iron and glass with a magnificent dome, it is a superb feat of architecture. With its majestic stairs and extravagant gold decorations, it certainly lives up to its nickname of the Railway Cathedral.

Antwerp Zoo
26 Koningin Astridplein
Built in 1843, this is one of Europes oldest zoos. It has over 4,000 animals and is known for its breeding programmes for threatened and near extinct animals. The zoo regularly organises nocturnal visits and guided tours behind the scenes.

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