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 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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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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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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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 |
 In honor of Fritz |
Lange Gasthuisstraat 19 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 232 4237 |
This museum was built by Henriëtte Mayer van den Bergh in honor of her son, Fritz, a fervent art collector who lived in Antwerp during the second half of the 19th century. The building was constructed in 16th century style, with late-Gothic and renaissance ornamentation on the façade reminiscent of Antwerp's Golden Age. Inside, the collection includes paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including 'Mad Meg' by Pieter Brueghel the Elder. There are also sculptures dating back to the 12th century, silverware, bronze figures, and tapestries. The museum can be visited with a guide, and from time to time temporary exhibitions are organized. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Roel Renmans |
 Photo: A.M. Hall |
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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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The newspaper museum |
Lombardenvest 6 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 233 3299 http://www.dagbladmuseum.be/ |
Abraham Verhoeven was the man who printed the first newspaper back in 1605. Today, the house where he lived has been transformed into the Newspaper Museum. If you're curious about what happened on the day you were born, you can find out here in the museum. Close to the Groenplaats, the museum is easy to reach. No doubt you'll spot this purple-painted building from miles off. Groups: special prices; visits possible everyday, including evenings upon request. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 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 |
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Famous printers and old books |
Vrijdagmarkt 22 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 221 1450 http://museum.antwerpen.be/pla... |
The famous printer Christoffel Plantijn lived in Antwerp from circa 1549. He was renowned throughout Europe for quality books and prints. However, he was also an innovator and transformed cottage-house printing into a pre-industrial enterprise. He lived in this unforgettable patrician house in the older part of Antwerp from 1576 onwards, and it was called the 'Golden Compass'. The tradition was carried on by his son-in-law, Jan Moretus. You can visit the old 'Officina Plantiana' with authentic printing presses (some of the oldest in the world) and an impressive library of books. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: josepatau |
 Photo: Ben Kiel |
 Photo: Matt Avery |
 Photo: www.eceblogger.com |
 Photo: Roel Renmans |
 Photo: Jack Kozik |
 Photo: David Březina |
 Photo: ElianeRC |
 Photo: mathieu typo |
 Photo: Joke Gossé |
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Prints at the Plantin-Moretus |
Vrijdagmarkt 22 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 221 1450 |
This museum, which was officially opened on 11 March 1939, was included among the fifty most important print collections in the world by the International Committee of Keepers of Public Collections of Graphic Art. The museum collection is a combination of old prints from the Plantin Moretus and the private collection of the first curator, Max Rooses. The latter collected mainly engravings and drawings by artists from Antwerp made from the 16th to 19th century, including the early work of Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dijck. Frans Dille, Jan Cox and Panamarenko are examples of more recent artists. The museum also has a library (non-lending) and reading room. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sensual curves by Rubens |
Wapper 9-11 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 201 1555 http://museum.antwerpen.be/rub... |
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 2000 paintings and some of the most innovative 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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Docnico |
 Photo: UncleBucko |
 Photo: Mikhail Zabaluev |
 Photo: kwloo |
 Photo: kpitter |
 Photo: Russell and Susan |
 Photo: Nils Geylen |
 Photo: Sean Habig |
 Photo: Huitzil Pedrero |
 Photo: Tamara Cogan |
 Photo: tuerush |
 Photo: duarteluder |
 Photo: Dino Starcevic |
 Photo: Vitor Cataluna Ribeiro |
 Photo: Laurens van Aarle |
 Photo: Jurjen Ladenius |
 Photo: Gabriela Ga |
 Photo: eaglemonk |
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Chapel of medieval hospital |
Lange Gasthuisstraat 45 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 223 5620 |
The 15th century St. Elizabethgasthuiskapel is a chapel integrated in the old Saint Elizabeth hospital, built in the 13th century. The chapel is no longer used for services. The hospital itself has been restored and converted into a cultural centre, called Elzenveld, with conference and meeting rooms. The nave of the chapel was erected in the beginning of the 15th century in the typical Brabant gothic style with beautiful pillars. The chancel was added later, between 1442 and 1460, and is as long as the nave. You'll find works of art by Godfried Maes and Frans Francken de Jonge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Paintings by the masters |
Lange Nieuwstraat 73 Antwerp, Antwerp Belgium +32 3 232 1032 |
The Saint Jacobs church is a typical example of Brabant gothic style. The construction of this three-nave building started in 1491 and after the middle nave and western spiral were completed, the works were discontinued due to lack of funds. The transept was completed from 1552 to 1566. The chancel was built from 1602 to 1656, and the aisles were arched. The interior has baroque style decorations with many famous paintings—'Virgin' by Otto van Veen and 'The Vocation of Saint Peter' by Jordaens. Behind the chancel you see 'The Virgin and the Saints', one of the last paintings by Pieter Paul Rubens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Impressive bell tower |
Hendrik Conscienceplein 12 Antwerp 2000 Belgium |
The Saint Carolus Borromeus church with its wonderful Baroque facade has three naves with two galleries and a chancel. It was built by the Jesuits from 1615 to 1621 during the Spanish period, and was called Saint Ignatius. An impressive baroque bell tower designed by Pieter Huysmans dominates the rear of the building. The chancel is decorated with marble just like the Madonna chapel. Pieter Paul Rubens designed and painted the ceilings that were damaged by a fire later in 1718. However, you can still see many of his paintings on the walls. The church was subject to Austrian law in 1773 and was closed until 1779 when it was given its current name—Saint Carolus Borromeus. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Erikdh |
 Photo: Hilde Heyvaert |
 Photo: Hugo Louter |
 Photo: Antoon Kuper |
 Photo: RBuijsman |
 Historical theatre |
Komedieplaats 19 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 224 8844 |
The Bourla Theater is a wonderful historical building dating back to 1834, and is now classified as a monument. This is indeed a splendid old-fashioned theater with sweeping balconies, so you always have a great view of the stage. The Bourla is now the permanent venue for the Youth Theater of Antwerp; the Royal Dutch Theater group also plays here. Information is available from Ticket Antwerpen. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ludovico2006 |
 Photo: Gebba |
 Photo: Bart Huylebroeck |
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A must for movie lovers |
Koninklijk Paleis Meir 50 Antwerp 2000 Belgium +32 3 233 8571 |
The Film Museum, located in the Royal Palace on the Meir, is a real must for those who love everything related to the world of moving images. Some 400 films are shown every year - old classics as well as the latest films that have just come out. Every month, there is a special theme program. Films are shown in their original version and subtitled in two languages. Apart from films, the Film Museum also organizes a series of other events, such as performances, talks and courses, which are attended by both young and old. Admission is EUR5. Review © 2007, Wcities |