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Welcome to Antwerp, bustling with
 The quiet beguine convent |
Rodestraat 39 Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
This beguine convent is an oasis of peace and quiet, yet located in the middle of the city. Enjoy a walk in this small park and you'll feel relaxed in no time. The beguine convent dates back to the sixteenth century and these 44 charming little houses are by far the most desired in Antwerp. Want to live here? Be patient as the waiting list is long. Sixteen of the houses are still inhabited by beguine sisters and to this day male visitors are not allowed to visit after 6p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 The Cathedral of Our Lady |
Handschoenmarkt Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 213 9951 http://www.dekathedraal.be/ |
The Cathedral'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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Built over the centuries |
Handschoenmarkt Antwerp, Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 213 9951 http://www.dekathedraal.be/ |
The 123 meter high north tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady has been the pride of Antwerp skyline for many years. The last five centuries have witnessed many restoration works and today the cathedral's architecture reflects the different styles that evolved during its existence. Masterpieces ranging from the 14th to the 19th century are housed within the premises. Some remarkable jewels include the Raising of the Cross by Rubens and the Schyven organ with 5,770 pipes. 125 columns, 128 windows and many more interesting facts - a visit to this magnificent structure is sure to leave you awestruck. Admission: EUR2 per person and free for children under 12. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mel & John Kots  |
 Photo: Britta Koch |
 Photo: jestersgrin |
 Photo: Benjamin Milne |
 Photo: Michael D. Thorson |
 Photo: Nickolas Del Pego |
 Photo: Kathi Kirschner |
 Photo: schaapblater |
 Photo: Tabitha Beckman |
 Photo: Christopher Ernest |
 Photo: liyik1001 |
 Photo: angus mcwhinney |
 Photo: Jared |
 Photo: Vic Kroussoratis |
 Photo: www.ariil.com |
 Photo: piggy2007b |
 Photo: Catalina Ibarra |
 Photo: Bethany Jackson |
 Photo: Scott |
 Photo: Serby |
 Photo: Eric Robeck |
 Photo: Patrick Santana |
 Photo: Dov Campbell |
 Photo: michael anello |
 Photo: Thitiya Srikitjakarn |
 Photo: Maria Tarnavskaya |
 Photo: skinnie minnie |
 Photo: stonecyffer |
 Photo: Lizza M. Villanueva |
 Photo: keigokato |
 Photo: Hannah Thompson |
 Photo: Yin H. Yiu |
 Photo: Seán Walsh |
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An impressive station |
Koningin Astridplein Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
People who arrive by train at the Central Station will marvel at this splendid and grand station in neo-baroque style. Visitors are shocked and surprised when they hear that about 10 years ago the city authorities wanted to demolish it. Luckily, they decided to restore the station which was commissioned by King Leopold II, built between 1898 and 1905 and designed by architect Delacenserie. The main entrance of the station is on the De Keyserlei/Meir, the most important shopping streets of Antwerp. The entrance to the Zoo is just around the corner. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Erwin van Leeuwen |
 Photo: Bert Van Vlerken |
 Photo: Ellen van den Berg |
 Photo: Sam Walling |
 Photo: Chajm Guski |
 Photo: Liz Bartelt |
 Photo: Roger Delahaye |
 Photo: Maarten Stolte |
 Photo: Justin Choulochas |
 Photo: Edwin van Geelen |
 Photo: wouter verstraten |
 Photo: Zana Fratelli |
 Photo: Lekhoni G Banerjee |
 Photo: Sudharsan G |
 Photo: Danilla Tham |
 Photo: David Wertheim |
 Photo: Marcus Peaston |
 Photo: jrdam |
 Photo: realcdn |
 Photo: FleurFlower |
 Photo: Blair J Whyte |
 Photo: Nancy Fornoville |
 Photo: Moon over Belgium |
 Photo: Ahikam Rosenberg |
 Photo: An Demory |
 Photo: jesse.yvette |
 Photo: Kimberly Clark |
 Photo: Belayeth |
 Photo: Zoe Fitzgerald |
 Photo: Koen Eeckhoudt |
 Photo: Willem Kuijpers Uden |
 Photo: ProVic |
 Photo: geert.debusschere |
 Photo: cristianvitalariu |
 Photo: Georges Delcart |
 Photo: Andrew Nash |
 Photo: N.Gerbeda-Wilson |
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Visit the city hall |
Grote Markt Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
The Antwerp City Hall is an Italian style renaissance building from the 16th century. Check out the paintings, as well as the chimney, which was 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. The city hall is situated in the center of the old city at the Grote Markt, behind the Brabo fountain. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pawan Kesari |
 Photo: Mike Knowles |
 Photo: Star |
 Photo: David Oliver |
 Photo: Julia Caldwell |
 Photo: Reinhilde Zelck |
 Photo: Joaquin Vanschoren |
 Photo: Daniel J. Cartwright |
 Photo: Pieter Dhondt |
 Photo: Nick Narvaez III |
 Photo: Stephen Montgomery |
 Photo: Lien De Leenheer |
 Photo: Ivy |
 Photo: Graham Merg |
 Photo: rockstone |
 Photo: Cinthya Uribe |
 Photo: Nathaniel Payne |
 Photo: jaidecker |
 Photo: Michelle Rice |
 Photo: Danielle Loga |
 Photo: Codfish from Norway |
 Photo: Vince Coughlan |
 Photo: p_papakonstantinou |
 Photo: Christopher Miller |
 Photo: Jan Van Bruaene |
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The city's central park |
Rubenslei, Van Eycklei Quinten Matsijslei Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
In Antwerp there are several gardens and parks, which are a welcome oasis in the busy city, and one of the most important parks is the Stadspark or City Park. This triangular park is situated between Rubenslei, Van Eycklei and Quinten Matsijslei and in these elegant avenues, named after the famous artists, you'll find some of Antwerp's most exclusive hotels. The diamond center and shopping streets are nearby. This is a pleasant park for walks but always be on your guard in the evenings. Other interesting parks in Antwerp are the Kielpark in St-Bernardsesteenweg, the Koning Albertpark named after the late King Albert I in Mechelsesteenweg and the smaller but most charming Plantentuin or Botanical Garden in Leopoldstraat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Recreation in Antwerp's largest park |
Turnhoutsebaan 246 Antwerp 2100 Belgium +32 3 360 5200 http://www.rivierenhof.be/ |
Take tram 10 to Deurne and visit the Rivierenhof (garden of rivers) and you'll discover a splendid sanctuary where recover from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can hire a boat at this park, which is criss-crossed with small canals or take a stroll in the rose garden. From May onwards, the rhododendrons are really beautiful. This park also has a classicist castle (1777) and a monumental open-air theatre that is used in the summer for screening films and for theatrical and musical performances. There is also a recreational area for the kids. Admission is free, except during open-air performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ryan Ducie |
 Photo: Ryan Ducie |
 Photo: Valérie Wechuysen |
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Antwerp's Grand Place |
Grote Markt Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
The Grote Markt (Grand Market Square) is a splendid sight right in the middle of the city. 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. The famous tavern Den Engel is located here. Admire 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 cafés. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: elbisreverri |
 Photo: Robert Conde |
 Photo: elmine |
 Photo: Tim Gibson |
 Photo: Thea Tagle |
 Photo: JBGuenza |
 Photo: Daniel Sexton |
 Photo: Michael Fontaine |
 Photo: Jennifer Curtis |
 Photo: iglbeat |
 Photo: Lucia Beatriz Grosner |
 Photo: ChrisenJan |
 Photo: Yao-cheng Lin |
 Photo: butterfly.84 |
 Photo: Billy Bennett |
 Photo: Rosanne Vermaat |
 Photo: Thomas Whitehead |
 Photo: Eduard |
 Photo: Claudio A. Mufarrege |
 Photo: Nicolaus Blasch |
 Photo: johnny telephone |
 Photo: Valentina Cugusi |
 Photo: Marcel Bruinshoofd |
 Photo: Martti Kuusanmäki |
 Photo: Juan Maria Rivas |
 Photo: Krizel Tantuico |
 Photo: Tim Bowman |
 Photo: Javier Castiarena |
 Photo: krieken_bebe |
 Photo: jane & walter |
 Photo: Jan van Raaij |
 Photo: Lisbeth Pindborg |
 Photo: starrycube |
 Botanical garden |
Leopoldstraat 24 Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
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 Sommé 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 nametag. Entrance is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ritajongeneelen |
 Photo: Shubha Sharma |
 Restored works of art |
Leopold De Waelplaats Plaatsnijdersstraat 2 Antwerp, Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 238 7809 http://museum.antwerpen.be/kmska/ |
This museum is a work of art in itself! The imposing building was built in the late 1800s and has been refurbished beautifully, so as to restore it to its former glory. Playing host to a great collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings, it boasts of masterpieces by famous artists, such as Peter Paul Reubens and Hans Memling. Many works date as far back as the 15th century, and most of them have been restored to present them in their original splendor. Exhibitions are held often, mostly showcasing little-known works by renaissance painters. A small section of the museum is dedicated to photography, with some breathtaking pictures of natural settings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: William Helsen |
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National maritime museum |
Steenplein 1 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 (0)3 201 93 40 http://museum.antwerpen.be/sch... |
The oldest traces of settlements in Antwerp date back to circa 600 and Het Steen (the stone) is in fact the oldest building in Antwerp and is part of a much larger structure built around the twelfth century, as a fortification and residence for the viscount. The National Maritime Museum has a permanent exhibition of models, paintings, ship accessories and instruments and gives you some background information about life along the river and at sea. It is definitely worth a quick visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mich De Mey |