Brabo FountainSTATUE
As with every great Flemish city, Antwerp’s medieval heart is a classic Grote Markt (marketplace). Here the triangular, pedestrianised space features the voluptuous, baroque Brabo Fountain depicting Antwerp’s hand-throwing legend. Flanked on two sides by very photogenic guildhalls, the square is dominated by an impressive Italo-Flemish Renaissance-style stadhuis , completed in 1565.
Het SteenCASTLE
On a riverside knoll, Het Steen is a dinky but photogenic castle from AD 1200 occupying the site of Antwerp’s original Gallo-Roman settlement. Outside is a humorous statue of Lange Wapper , a tall folkloric ‘peeping Tom’ figure showing off his codpiece to two diminutive onlookers. Directly north, the misnamed Maritime Park is a long, open-sided wrought-iron shed displaying a historic barge collection. There is nothing to see inside.
Onze-Lieve-VrouwekathedraalCATHEDRAL
Belgium’s finest Gothic cathedral was 169 years in the making (1352–1521). Wherever you wander in Antwerp, its gracious, 123m-high spire has a habit of popping unexpectedly into view and rarely fails to jolt a gasp of awe. The sight is particularly well framed when looking up Pelgrimstraat in afternoon light.
Museum Plantin-MoretusHISTORIC BUILDING
The idea of giving a museum Unesco World Heritage status might seem odd, until you’ve seen this fabulous place. Once home to the world’s first industrial printing works, it has been a museum since 1876. The medieval building and 1622 courtyard garden alone are worth the visit. Highlights include the 1640 library, the historic bookshop (room 4), and rooms 11 and 21 for their gilt leather ‘wallpaper’. Then there’s a priceless collection of manuscripts, tapestries and the world's oldest printing press.
Fashion DistrictAREA
In the space of just a few streets, you'll find dozens of designer boutiques, both Belgian and international, along with a variety of streetwear, end-of-line discounters, secondhand shops and more mainstream chains. Simply stroll Nationalestraat, Lombardenvest, Huidevettersstraat and Schuttershofstraat, not missing Kammenstraat for retro labels and urban scrawl.
RubenshuisMUSEUM
Restored along original lines, the 1611 building was built as home and studio by celebrated painter Pieter Paul Rubens. Rescued from ruins in 1937, the building is architecturally indulgent with baroque portico, rear facade and formal garden. The furniture dates from Rubens’ era but was not part of the original decor. Ten Rubens canvases are displayed, including one where Eve appears to glance lustfully at Adam's figeaf (guide-ref 50).
Antwerpen-CentraalLANDMARK
With its neo-Gothic facade, vast main hall and splendidly proportioned dome, the 1905 Antwerpen-Centraal train station is one of the city's premier landmarks. It was rated by Newsweek as one of the world’s five most beautiful stations. It's also very practical, the multilevel platforms having had a full 21st-century makeover.
BUS
Many regional buses (eg to Lier) leave from near Ecolines.
EcolinesBUS
Ecolines services for Eastern Europe depart from near Antwerpen-Berchem train station, 2km southeast of Antwerpen-Centraal. The ticket agent is Euro-Maror.
EurolinesBUS
International Eurolines buses depart from points near Franklin Rooseveltplaats.
TRAIN
Regular services to Bruges (€14.80, 75 minutes), Brussels (€7.30, 35-49 minutes) and Ghent (€9.40, 46 minutes). High-speed service to Amsterdam.
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