La Belgian city of Antwerp is one of the most beautiful and visited from all over the country. It is known for the painter Rubens and for the diamonds that are made in it, but it is much more. This is a European city that in the XNUMXth century became one of the most important commercial points on the continent, hence the majesty that still accompanies it today.
En Antwerp we will have a lot to see, from large monumental squares to churches, castles or simply streets with an incomparable charm. Discover all the corners of this city to know what you should visit if you make a getaway.
Grote Markt
La Grote Markt is the main square of Antwerp, also translated as Great Market Square. It is a square that is the heart of the historic center and in it we can see old houses of old guilds from the XNUMXth century that are preserved in perfect condition. Another of the buildings that are of vital importance is the Renaissance-style town hall, full of details and with the possibility of visiting it inside. On the other hand, you should not miss the Brabo fountain.
Cathedral of Our Lady
This Cathedral is located on Groenplaats square and it is the largest in the country. It is a church that stands out for its Gothic style, with a beautiful bell tower that cannot be climbed but can be admired from the outside. Inside the cathedral we can also see works by Rubens and the magnificent stained glass windows. All this makes it essential when visiting Antwerp.
Antwerp Station
Normally a train station is not a place to visit, but there are some that have become essential places within the tourist circuit thanks to their beauty. This is known as the cathedral of the stations for that style full of details, for its glass domes and that elegance that is hardly found in train stations. If you are not coming by train from Brussels, you can also stop by to admire its beauty.
Diamond Quarter
Antwerp is a city also known for the diamonds that pass through it. The diamond trade is very well known in the city and many of the world's most pass through here. East neighborhood is formed with different streets like the Pelikaanstraat, Hoveniersstraat, Rijfstraat or the Schupstraat. Guided visits can be made in its large stores to learn about the entire process by which diamonds arrive at stores. It is a neighborhood in which the Jewish community stands out, which is the one that traded in diamonds since its inception, so there is also a synagogue.
Church of San Carlos Borromeo
This church is located in Hendrik Conscience Square and it is a really beautiful building. It is important to know that Rubens and Van Dyck were the ones who gave it that precious baroque air to its facade that reminds us so much of Italy.
Steen Castle
This castle located in the port area takes us back to medieval times. It is a fortification that was used to prevent Viking attacks. It has a beautiful neo-Gothic style and was used as a prison although in the XNUMXth century it was greatly reduced due to the fact that part of the buildings were thrown away to build the port.
Rubens House Museum
In the Wapper square is the Rubens house museum. It is a workshop that was built by Rubens himself who was inspired by Italian villas. He worked in the last few years and today it is a museum where you can see the original furniture with which he lived, paintings by the artist and a beautiful Italian-style garden.