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 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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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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Fantastic architecture in neo-style |
Cogels-Osylei Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
If you're an architecture fanatic you must take a walk down Antwerp's famous Cogels-Osylei, near the Berchem railway station. In the Cogels-Osylei, you'll be able to feast your eyes on some exquisite examples of private houses, which were built at the turn of the century in various neo styles with art nouveau influences. Most houses are protected as public monuments. However, you can admire the exteriors. Another example of eccentric architecture is the Five Continents house, situated at the corner of the Schilderstraat and the Plaatsnijdersstraat in the South area of Antwerp. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jan DB, Belgium |
 Photo: Stefan Hendrickx |
 Photo: Photocapy |
 Photo: frank vranckx (slö) |
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Young artists at work |
Jezusstraat 28 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 203 4204 http://www.uunet.be/provant |
This exhibition center is named after Queen Fabiola (wife of the late King Boudewijn). It's reserved for showcasing the works of young artists who live, work or study in the Antwerp region. These artists are recent graduates and are younger than 40. This center creates opportunities for them to start a professional artistic career. The exhibited works are selected by professional art connoisseurs of Antwerp. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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High-rise art-deco |
Schoenmarkt 35 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +31 3 202 9011 |
The Boerentoren, or Farmers' Tower, was built specially for the world exposition, which was held in Antwerp in 1930. On a site which had been bombed in the war, one of the first US-style skyscrapers was erected with a façade consisting of art-deco elements. The original tower was 87.5 metres high but after restoration in the seventies, when the whole building was transformed into office space, it reached its current height of 97 meters. The name of the building refers to the farmers' co-operative, which was the main investor of the original project. The tower is currently leased by KBC, one of Belgium's largest banks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: QbiT |
 Photo: Andrew Crump |
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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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One of the largest squares in the city |
Groenplaats Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
One of the largest squares in the city, Groenplaats is the ideal starting point for visitors of the historic center. It gets quite busy during the summer tourist season. You'll enjoy numerous café 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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrea Guerra |
 Photo: Guy Henderieckx |
 Photo: Tim Zunneberg |
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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 |
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Flanders' most influential writer |
Hendrik Conscience Plein Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
In front of the city library (Stadsbibliotheek) on the Hendrik Conscience Plein, there is a wonderful statue of Hendrik Conscience (1812-1883), the 19th century writer who taught his fellow countrymen to read. The market square, built by the catholic Jesuits in a poor quarter of the old city centre, is also named after this extremely important Flemish writer. The sole purpose of the flamboyant architecture of the square, was to impress the inhabitants and counter the growing influence of the Protestant Church which was gradually becoming more powerful at the time. This explains the decoration of the Jesuit buildings and the square itself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sonja Musters |
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Main Shopping Street |
Meir Antwerp, Antwerp 2000 Belgium http://www.antwerpshoppingstre... |
Meir is the main shopping street in Antwerp. It is located in the center of the city and runs between the Central Station and the Town Hall. The street is closed to automotive traffic, so people can have an easier time shopping. However, this street is lined with expensive shops, such as West-end, so be prepared to only window shop unless you're willing to spend quite a bit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A fine melange |
City Center Antwerp, Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 232 0103 (Tourist Information Center) |
Oude Stad (Old City) is teeming with lots of interesting venues. A day trip here is ideal, as it gives you sufficient time to wander through the tiny lanes. However, be sure to be equipped with a comfy pair of shoes. Begin your adventure at the centrally positioned Grote Markt square, which is dominated by the majestic Town Hall. A little further, you will find the beautiful Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal. Marvel at many other old and well-maintained architectural delights. Nestled within some of them, you'll find several eateries. And while you are here, don't miss out on the Belgian waffle, Belgian beer, mouth watering mussels and delicious Belgian chocolates. A satisfying day guaranteed! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Underwater Tunnel, Park, & View |
Sint-Jansvliet Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
The river Scheldt is world famous for its massive harbor, but 31 meters down lies one of Antwerp’s most unique landmarks. Follow pedestrians and bikers alike as they descend ancient wooden escalators to reach the tunnel connecting to the left bank. Watch locals carry their bicycles down with ease- and then ride away when they reach the bottom. Although there are two tunnels, take the Sint Annatunnel; it begins in the middle of town. The left bank is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon with a book or loved one. Upon reaching the other side, you will be in the middle of a park- with the best views of the city. -Alex Phillips Review © 2007, Wcities |
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From Warehouse to Archives |
Oude Leeuwenrui 29 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 292 9411 http://mimoa.eu/projects/Belgi... |
Sint-FelixPakhuis was formerly an old warehouse that has been restored and refurbished. The ground floor houses the library, while four floors are dedicated to archives. The attic now holds a beautiful reading room, as well as rooms for meetings and conferences with a new glass roof that allows for the maximum amount of sunlight. Sint-FelixPakhuis is a great place to relax and look through some literature or just enjoy the open, bright reading room with a book of your own. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Provincial museum and park |
Hooftvunderlei 160 Antwerp 2100 Belgium +32 3 360 5252 http://www.sterckshof.be/ |
Sterckshof is a museum and park situated just outside Antwerp in Deurne. The castle with a mote was originally built in the 14th and 15th century, and belonged to Jan Sterck. The current building was constructed from 1927 to 1929 in light red brick in neo-traditional style. From a distance it reminds you of one of those Disney fairy tale castles. Within the historical framework of the castle you can see an impressive collection of silversmith's work. When you've finished the tour you can take a relaxing walk in the beautiful park. Admission: is free. Guided tours for groups are available upon request. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Flamboyant structure |
Grote Markt Antwerp, Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 221 1333 / +32 3 232 0103 (Tourist Information Center) |
This majestic building, designed by Cornelis Floris, signifies the new status of the city. The design reflects a fusion of Flemish and Italian Renaissance architecture. This symmetrical structure has a beautiful, wide façade and a broad roof, which emphasizes its shape. The 184 feet center pavilion is done up in five levels of stunning columns and sculptures. Most of the beautiful interiors were destroyed during a fire. What is visible now, including the paintings by Hendrik Leys, are parts of the 1882 restoration plan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cmayes |
 Photo: Mark Sun |
 Photo: Oisín Share |
 Photo: Ronny Hermans |
 Photo: David Guibal |
 Photo: Lefty_G |
 Photo: Andrea L. Emrick |
 Photo: Philip Van de Vondel |
 Photo: Jana Ulrich |
 Photo: emil-foto |
 Photo: Jennifer A Davids |
 Photo: Emma Braun |
 Photo: Rahul Ruikar |
 Photo: Bill Phelps |
 Photo: juliangeezer |
 Photo: Yuko Toyonaga |
 Photo: Jan Van Winkel |