Antwerp is one of my favorite cities in Europe and
is the finest in Belgium. The life and paintings of Rubens
in the Rubenshuis and Cathedral a
vibrant night life, Diamonds and, of course, Belgian beer
are a unique mix to Antwerp.
Cathedral -
The largest Gothic structure in the Benelux countries,
the Cathedral
of Antwerp has become the symbol of Antwerp - with
its distinctive single spire. The Cathedral of Our Lady
is, artistically speaking, most renowned for the monumental
and impressive Baroque altar-pieces by Antwerps most
famous son - Peter Paul Rubens which were specifically
designed and painted for this cathedral.
Rubenshuis -
Acquired by the city in 1937, the house was practically
a ruin. Since restored to the original plan, Rubens house
has become one of the citys top attractions - in spite
of the limited number of The Great Painters pictures
inside.
Rockoxhouse -
A ruin when it was bought by KBC - the Rockoxhouse has
been restored and refurbished according to the original
plan and interior design.
National
Maritime Museum - Although closed until some
unspecified date and time in the future on my last visit
to Antwerp (Sep 2009), the Museum building is charming
enough and, given the open raised walkways, provides
interesting views back towards the old town.
Groenplaats (Green Square) - Not as green as
the name would suggest, Groenplaats was originally Antwerps
central cemetery until Emporer Joseph II banned cemetries
inside the city walls so it was converted into a sqaure
and nicknamed the "Green Cemetery." Now a square
bordered by terraces of cafes it's a fairly relaxing
place to sample some of the the specialty beers Belgium
has to offer in full view of a prominent statue of Antwerps
best known son - Peter Paul Rubens. The Grand Bazar was
renovated in 1920 and now serves as the
Hilton Antwerp
(
Groenplaats 32, Antwerpen
)
which is one of the more interesting buildings in the
square.
Theaterplein market - On every weekend, the Theaterplein
Market is a veritable hive of fresh food supplies. Several
stalls are manned and stocked by the north African immigrants
who have settled in Antwerp and, consequently, often
supply foods and fruits from their own countries. Marvellous
selection of ingrediants best washed down with a pint
of Belgian Best at the nearby Oud
Arsenaal.
Centraal - I'm not normally one to suggest that
you hang out around train stations. Unless you're homeless
or addicted to something - preferably illegal and both.
Antwerpen Centraal Station, however, is quite a piece
of work. The visibly modern platform areas are impressive
enough - but have been well woven into the fabric of
the older sarcophagus. Elevators have been strategically
place so progressively more of the early-20th century
façade.
Grote
Markt and Stadhuis - The heart of Antwerps Old
City, the Grote Markt boasts an impressive array of
former Guild Houses. The Grote Markt is dominated by
the Stadhuis on one side - an enormous 16th century
Renaissance building designed by Cornelis Floris de
Vriendt. The Stadhuis continues to function as the
City Hall and administrative offices and is open to
the public for the monthly meetings of the City Council.
Vleeshuis - Literally, "The Meat House" the
Vleeshuis was once home to the Butchers Guild. The alternating
red and white colours now make it look like a great big
pile of bacon.
Jakobskerk -
Originally an inn for the pilgrims en route to the shrime
of St. James in Santiago de Compostela a modest chapel
was added when the community becmae a parish in its own
right. Originally the spire was intended to be larger
than that of the Cathedral when
construction commenced in the late 15th century.
However, it only ever reach 55 meters - a third of the
intended height. After the Iconoclasm, Calvinist domination
and a return to Catholicism, the Church was extended
in the 17th Century in the Gothic style with
furniture, ornaments and building materiels donated by
tradesmen. Peter Paul Rubens is buried in one of the
seven chapels which radiate around the ambulatory around
the high altar - the chapel also includes a painting
of Our Lady and the Saints which was completed by the
Rubens himself and, it is believed, that St George is
a self-portrait and other figure portraits of his family.
Carolus
Borromeuskerk - One of the most beautiful churches
in Antwerp, and in one of the most handsome squares,
was constructed by the Jesuits in the 17th century.
Rubens contributed to the façade, tower and much
of the interior. However, following a lightening strike
in 1718 a fire broke out and 39 ceiling paintings by
Rubens and much of the original marble was destroyed.
Fortunately, the main altar and the Mary Chapel survived
and hark back to the church's original splendor.
The paintings of the main altar are interchangable and
still use the original, still working, mechanism.
Antwerp - 11 great things to see and do
Antwerp is one of my favorite cities in Europe and is the finest in Belgium. The life and paintings of Rubens in the Rubenshuis and Cathedral a vibrant night life, Diamonds and, of course, Belgian beer are a unique mix to Antwerp.
Rockoxhouse - A ruin when it was bought by KBC - the Rockoxhouse has been restored and refurbished according to the original plan and interior design.
Groenplaats (Green Square) - Not as green as the name would suggest, Groenplaats was originally Antwerps central cemetery until Emporer Joseph II banned cemetries inside the city walls so it was converted into a sqaure and nicknamed the "Green Cemetery." Now a square bordered by terraces of cafes it's a fairly relaxing place to sample some of the the specialty beers Belgium has to offer in full view of a prominent statue of Antwerps best known son - Peter Paul Rubens. The Grand Bazar was renovated in 1920 and now serves as the Hilton Antwerp ( Groenplaats 32, Antwerpen ) which is one of the more interesting buildings in the square.
Theaterplein market - On every weekend, the Theaterplein Market is a veritable hive of fresh food supplies. Several stalls are manned and stocked by the north African immigrants who have settled in Antwerp and, consequently, often supply foods and fruits from their own countries. Marvellous selection of ingrediants best washed down with a pint of Belgian Best at the nearby Oud Arsenaal.
Centraal - I'm not normally one to suggest that you hang out around train stations. Unless you're homeless or addicted to something - preferably illegal and both. Antwerpen Centraal Station, however, is quite a piece of work. The visibly modern platform areas are impressive enough - but have been well woven into the fabric of the older sarcophagus. Elevators have been strategically place so progressively more of the early-20th century façade.
Vleeshuis - Literally, "The Meat House" the Vleeshuis was once home to the Butchers Guild. The alternating red and white colours now make it look like a great big pile of bacon.
Rubens contributed to the façade, tower and much of the interior. However, following a lightening strike in 1718 a fire broke out and 39 ceiling paintings by Rubens and much of the original marble was destroyed. Fortunately, the main altar and the Mary Chapel survived and hark back to the church's original splendor.
The paintings of the main altar are interchangable and still use the original, still working, mechanism.
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