Grote Markt (De)
In the middle of the old city, the Grote Markt (Grand Market
Square) is a splendid sight. Dominated by the renaissance
style Stadhuis (city hall), the square is lined with numerous
guildhalls, high patrician houses with step gables and gold-plated
ornaments and statuettes, and the famous tavern Den Engel.
Your attention will be drawn to the Brabo fountain, the
late 19th century statue of the legendary Roman Silvius
Brabo who saved Antwerp from Druon the giant. Enjoy a Belgian
beer, a Brussels waffle, or coffee at one of the cafes.
Plantentuin
Adjacent to the Saint Elisabeth Hospital and behind the
Mayer van den Berg Museum you'll find Antwerp's famous Plantentuin,
a small and historical botanical garden in the heart of
the city. In 1825, the vegetables in the hospital garden
had to make room for more "noble" plants. Doctor
Somme thought it more interesting to cultivate plants that
were useful for the biology classes in the Medicine College.
This "Hortus Botanicus" still has an interesting
variety of plants and trees—each with its very own
name tag.
Kathedraal (De)
The Cathedral of Our Lady's construction began in 1352,
and ended in 1518, resulting in the largest Gothic church
in the Netherlands. Learn its amazing history, from the
"iconoclastic fury" of 1566 that destroyed much
of the interior, to the repairs that discovered beautiful
murals beneath the whitewashed walls. The cathedral was
furnished with renaissance, baroque, rococo and classical
works of art which were plundered by French revolutionaries,
though many were returned. The exceptional stained-glass
windows are 16th and 17th century.
Stadhuis
The Antwerp city hall is an Italian style renaissance building
from the 16th century. Check out the paintings as well as
the chimney erected in 1548. The mayor and the magistrates
actually still have their offices in the city hall so it's
not always possible to visit the inside. On Saturdays you
can generally have a guided tour around 2pm or 3 pm. The
city hall is situated in the center of the old city at the
Grote Markt, behind the Brabo fountain.
Bobbejaanland
Bobbejaanland has more than 50 dry and wet attractions including
some amazing rollercoasters. Try the exciting El Rio, Locomotion,
Bob Express and the spectacular Thrillenium Ride. Younger
kids will enjoy the fairytale ride through "Kinderland."
And, don't forget to buy your coin for the car park before
you leave.
Groenplaats (De)
One of the largest squares in the city, Groenplaats is the
ideal starting point for visitors of the historic centre,
and gets quite busy during the summer tourist season. You'll
enjoy numerous cafe terraces and restaurants. Street musicians
provide background music, and the pubs provide great Belgian
beers. Don't forget to try a Bolleke Koninck, a light brown
ale which is brewed in Antwerp. Nearby you'll find cute
copper, pewter and lace shops, the Fnac bookstore, the Hilton
and the Cathedral.
Volkskundemuseum
The Museum of Folklore is definitely a must for those who
would like to know how ordinary people used to live in Antwerp.
All kinds of objects depicting not only daily life in the
old days, but also objects related to popular medicine,
popular belief, magic and witchcraft are exhibited. Eyecatchers
include the giant heads shown in the Antwerp Ommegang, the
beautiful Mortier-organ, the pharmacy-drugstore and others.
The museum also has a specialized library and reading room.
Rubenshuis
Pieter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), one of the baroque masters,
is probably most well-known for his portraits of voluptuous
half-nude women. During his life, he and his pupils produced
around 2,000 paintings and some of the most innovating material
of his time. You can see many fine examples of his paintings
and pen drawings in this museum that is situated in the
luxurious house where he once lived. |
