Antwerp’s Architectural Wonders and Artistic Heart: A City of Contrasts
Before visiting Antwerp, we were (wrongly) convinced it was just a working-class port city, and that this industrial character would be evident while walking through its streets. Its geographic position between the Netherlands and Belgium, the presence of the Scheldt River, the canals, the port, and its proximity to the North Sea had misled us. While Antwerp is indeed industrialized, and its port plays a crucial role in the local economy, the city presents itself as an elegant capital of arts, fashion, diamonds, and culture.
A Legendary Past and Commercial Rise
The origins of Antwerp likely date back to the Gallo-Roman era, although it wasn’t founded as an actual city until the 7th century AD. There’s also a legend behind its name: it is said that the evil giant Druon Antigoon used to cut off the hands of boatmen who refused to pay his tolls. The Roman soldier Silvius Brabo challenged him, cut off his hand, and threw it into the river. This act (from the Flemish “hand werpen” meaning “to throw a hand”) is the source of the city’s name, and you can still see references to this legend in some of the city’s landmarks.
During the Middle Ages, Antwerp became known as a key center for trade, overtaking its historic rival Bruges in the 15th century. Despite periods of crisis, political decisions, and wars that diminished its influence, Antwerp experienced a resurgence in the 19th century, aided by Napoleon’s intervention. By then, Antwerp was modernizing and expanding again, only to face setbacks during the World Wars and German occupations. Today, Antwerp has transformed into a city of excellence in multiple sectors and is one of Belgium’s top tourist destinations.
The Fashion Capital of Belgium
Fashion is undeniably one of Antwerp’s main attractions, thanks largely to the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Established in 1963, its Fashion Design course has produced some of the world’s top designers. This influence is felt throughout the city, especially in the Fashion District, where you’ll find a mix of vintage clothing shops, designer boutiques, and emerging fashion labels.
The district’s heart is the ModeNatie building, located on Nationalestraat, home to the Fashion Museum (MoMu), the Flanders Fashion Institute, and the Fashion Department of the Royal Academy. A stroll through nearby streets like Korte Vlierstraat, Kloosterstraat, and Sint-Andriesstraat reveals more of Antwerp’s stylish soul. This area, officially known as St. Andrew’s District, takes its name from the St. Andries Church, one of the five monumental churches of Antwerp, with its blend of Gothic and Baroque styles.
Architectural Wonders and Artistic Heritage
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady) is the heart of Antwerp’s center, surrounded by Grote Markt, Handschoemarkt, and Groenplaats. These squares host much of the city’s tourist activity. Grote Markt is framed by the typical Flemish terraced buildings, with Stadhuis (the Town Hall) at its center. The famous Brabo Fountain, depicting Silvius Brabo about to throw the giant’s hand, is a symbol of the city.
Nearby, Groenplaats was once a cemetery but is now a lively square where locals gather. It’s also where you’ll find the statue of Peter Paul Rubens, one of Antwerp’s most famous residents. Rubens’ influence is everywhere in the city, from his house-museum in the Meir district to his effigy in city landmarks. The Rubens House is where the artist lived for 25 years and created some of his greatest works.
Museums and Modern Art in Antwerp
Among Antwerp’s most renowned museums is the MAS (Museum Aan de Stroom), located in the Eilandje district. The museum, opened in 2011, explores the city’s history and its connections to the world through four themes: the metropolis, power, the world port, and life and death. The museum’s unique architecture, resembling stacked blocks separated by windows, has become a symbol of modern Antwerp.
Also noteworthy is the Red Star Line Museum, which tells the story of the 2.6 million Europeans who emigrated to America from Antwerp. Located on the banks of the Scheldt River, the museum is housed in a building shaped like a ship’s bow, a nod to the migrants’ journey.
In the Zuid District, you’ll find the Photo Museum (FoMu), the Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA), and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA), which has recently undergone renovations and is set to reopen soon. This neighborhood has been revitalized in recent decades and is now a hub of cultural activity and youthful energy.
How to Reach Antwerp
One of Antwerp’s architectural jewels is its Central Station, often compared to a cathedral for its grandeur. Built in 1905, it has been named one of the most beautiful train stations in the world by Newsweek. The station is a major hub connecting Flanders, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, including high-speed trains to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Antwerp is also accessible by air through Antwerp Airport (Luchthaven Antwerpen), located just a few kilometers south of the city, with direct flights to major European destinations, including Milan, Paris, London and Madrid.