Antwerp is the capital of the Antwerp province in Flanders – one of the three Belgium regions. This is the fifth largest port in the world, and the second largest port in Europe. Located on the Scheldt river right bank 48 km from Brussels and 51 km to the south-east of Gent, Antwerp is the acknowledged “World Centre of Brilliants”, the leader on the facet diamond market. It is also famous as being the second largest raw diamond market after the one in London.
Moreover, this is a calm, stylish city with lots of monuments of the rich Middle Age as well as the Renaissance times. The city is famous for its majestic cathedral, the museum of arts with masterpieces from all over the Flanders province, middle age narrow streets in the center of the city and their numerous labyrinths, animated nightlife and rich cultural heritage. However, it is really surprising that many tourists just ignore Antwerp. But it would be enough to say that people from Amsterdam come to this place whenever they want to spend a good time in the Golden Age city.
One of the Antwerp’s most famous citizens is Rubens. It is his monument that is located on Groenplaats and many of the local churches are adorned with his masterpieces.
Rubens’s city is the real heaven for those who are fond of museums. For instance, the Museum of fine arts contains more than thousand of works by classic artists, including the Flemish Primitives as well as more than 1500 contemporary works. The largest and the most beautiful collection of works by the great craftsman – Rubens – can be found here. The Museum of Modern Arts (MUHKA) offers you to see the collection of mostly Belgium works of art that were created starting from 1970-s. These are just some of the museums that you will pass on your way from the Central Station to the Mayer Van den Bergh museum dedicated to fine and applied arts of the 14 – 16 centuries. If you find yourself on the Berkum station, don’t miss the chance to visit Zurenborg district famous for its unique architecture.
The Steen fortress is one of the Antwerp’s oldest buildings, where the National Maritime Museum with its huge collection of models and other interesting exhibits is located. The adjacent Maritime park keeps several ships including the ones that you can climb on. The square of the irregular shape – Grote Markt, surrounded by the workshops of the 16-17 centuries guilds is located in the very heart of the city. Here a huge Brabo fountain and the City Hall that comprises both the Flemish style and the Italian Renaissance are situated. Also, there is the Kathedraal (Our Lady’s Cathedral) located in the south-eastern part of the square – this is the largest Benelux cathedral created in gothic style.
There is a number of churches in the city - St. Paul’s church, St. Charles Borromeo’s church, St. James’ church.. Several museums such as the Folklore Museum, the Diamond Museum, the Butchers’ Hall (Vleeshuis), Rubens’ House are also interesting to visit.
The city is renowned for its Zoo as well. This is one of the world oldest zoos. Located in the city centre next to the railway station, it keeps about 4000 animals.
Antwerp hotels can be booked at
Antwerp hotels
