Biyahilo - Tourist Attractions

Antwerp is the second largest city of Belgium. The capital city of the province of Antwerp, it is also the second largest harbor in Europe after Rotterdam. It is a leading commercial center famous for cutting, trading and polishing of diamonds. Since the last 15 years, Antwerp has been elevated to the status of being one of the leading cities for fashion design in Europe.

MUST SEE TOURIST SPOTS

Antwerp’s Grote Markt (Town Square)

Not as big as the ‘Grand’Place’ of Brussels, but certainly as beautiful is the ‘Grote Markt’ (= Town Square) of Antwerp. Here is still the heart of the old city. The Grote Markt is beautifully surrounded by the Town Hall and the so-called houses of the Guilds or corporations. In the background the tower of Our Lady’s Cathedral completes the magnificent view.

In the middle of the town square lies a statue of the first hero of Antwerp Brabo. He was the man who had killed a giant, who according to a legend used to control river traffic and extract money from people. The roman soldier Brabo cut the giant’s hand and threw it into the Schedlt River.

Our Lady’s Cathedral

Our Lady’s Cathedral is another important landmark. With its Gothic architecture, the 123 meter lofty tower is a sight to behold. The cathedral is home to two of the masterpieces of Reubens, ‘The Descent from the Cross’ and the ‘Elevation of the Cross.’

Antwerp Castle

The Antwerp castle, known as Steen (stone) is called such because castles in the 13th century were built of wood. This was the first castle at that time to be built of stone.

Meir

The Meir is another tourist attraction and the main shopping street in Antwerp. The Osterrieth House and the former royal residence of the Belgian kings in Antwerp are two of the important buildings in the Meir. The first stock exchange building in the world was built on Meir. It was gutted down in the middle of the nineteenth century and was reconstructed in Neo-Gothic architecture.

CLIMATE IN ANTWERP

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Antwerp. Although during the winter months it can be cool and damp there are plenty of things to do indoors - like museums and shopping. If you are not a fan of crowds, late autumn to early spring is probably the best time to visit.

The city is definitely more up-tempo in the summer, with more street markets and a special Rubens festival in August when the stall-holders dress in traditional costumes. The nightlife is always especially good in the summer, and sitting out at a terrace café and watching the world go by is a favourite pastime.

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