Antwerp is the second largest
city in Belgium. It is the city of
famous painters such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens,
a world diamond centre and a city of fashion designers.
The old city centre contains many historic monuments
and museums. Antwerp Cathedral is declared World
Heritage by UNESCO, and its refined sculptured tower
is regarded as one of the absolute highlights in
Gothic building.
Near the cathedral you will find the central square
“Grote Markt”, which is surrounded by
exquisite buildings and the Renaissance city hall,
also World Culture Heritage.
Throughout the city, you will discover many other
historic buildings, such as Rubens’ Italian
renaissance villa inspired home, St. Paul’s
church with its unique collection of Rubens an Jordaens
paintings, the Carolus-Borromeus church with its
exquisite woodcarvings, the medieval castle “Het
Steen” or the
gigantic 19th century Central Station.
When you’re tired of walking, have a rest
with a view on the river Schelde, or have a local
beer in Victor Horta’s magnificent Art Déco
building or in the richly decorated foyers of the
Bourla theatre and the “Stadsfeestzaal”.
Next, you will be ready for a walk through the 16th
century narrow street “Vlaaikensgang”,
while building up an appetite for one of Antwerps
countless gourmet restaurants.
At the edge of the city centre you will find the
Museum of Fine arts, a huge Greek temple style building
which houses a unique collection of paintings.
Welcome to Antwerp!
