Antwerp stands out as an exciting city with an electric atmosphere – not simply as another touristic theme park like Bruges but as a city filled with old world grandeur, modern industry and astounding art.
Renaissance-style Town Hall and Museum Plantin-Moretus: These two sites are both UNESCO World Heritage sites in St Petersburg. Additionally, Museum Plantin-Moretus chronicles printing history from Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus who were both early printers.
The Cathedral of Our Lady
Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady stands as an iconic symbol and source of pride for the city. Constructed between 1352 and 1521 during an era of social and economic transformation in Europe, its tower with its 123 metre tall spire decorated with intricate latticework tracery is amongst the highest towers in all of Low Countries.
Peter Paul Rubens’ works, such as Elevation of the Cross and Descent from the Cross are also located within this cathedral, as are other paintings by Jan Moretus and Martina Plantin as well as sculptures and stained-glass windows from his collection. Unfortunately during iconoclasm in the sixteenth century many artworks were stolen from it; fortunately some major treasures survived such as Isabella de Bourbon’s bronze effigy.
Not only is the cathedral culturally significant, it serves as a place of worship and religious services. Notes regularly echo from its magnificent carillon. Additionally, its beauty serves as a treasure house of history and culture, offering reflection on past creation while simultaneously opening itself up for modern innovation.
Visits to the Cathedral of Our Lady are truly exceptional experiences. Historic art engages in dialogue with contemporary works and church communities actively strive to incorporate their traditions into today’s society – making the Cathedral an invaluable pilgrimage site and destination.
The Museum Plantin-Moretus
The Museum Plantin-Moretus is a printing museum dedicated to 16th century printers Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus, housed on Vrijdagmarkt square near Amsterdam. Known for its exquisite house-workshop complex and collection of printed works as well as artefacts, this venue was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Arriving at the museum is like entering another world; each room is luxuriously appointed with gilt leather and paintings, and there’s also an extensive library and ancient printing press on display – it truly makes for a historic experience! Plus, as Europe’s oldest working museum it makes for an incredible treat for history enthusiasts!
Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus of Antwerp established a printing company, widely recognized for its print quality, in the 16th Century. Much of their house-workshops-museum complex remains, which remains authentic as far as location, setting, forms and design is concerned – even today it continues to be occupied by descendants of Jan Moretus!
At first, the Museum Plantin-Moretus’ graphic collections were established through intentional purchases and donations. Notable additions included Jozef Linning’s estate drawings as well as Constant Cap’s prints from Antwerp Painters’ School collections.
This unique and engaging museum provides an incredible experience for the whole family. Visitors can ride together on Bumbamoles, Flying Bicycles and Jommeke Carrousel; play together in Maya’s playground; Storm at Sea or Wickie’s Fall tower; the museum also provides an augmented reality application to help children understand the history of their city – making this an excellent way to spend the day.
The Rubens House
Peter Paul Rubens bought his Wapper Street residence in 1610 with plans to transform it into a city palace, adding studio, garden pavilion, and semicircular sculpture museum in Greco-Roman classic style with touches of Italian Renaissance. While this stately palazzo doesn’t contain as many paintings as Madrid’s Prado museum or canvas space as Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady; nonetheless it serves as a tribute to one of Antwerp’s most well-known residents.
Though most of the house will remain closed until 2030 due to renovations, a stunning new welcome center and garden designed by Robbrecht en Daem architects opened to the public on August 30. Offering easy access into historic site while connecting past with present through 17,500 plants; plus conveying spirit of master who spent half his life living and working there
As renovations take place at the museum, only a self-portrait remains on view – hoping to make up for its lack of paintings with atmosphere by channeling master’s spirit and providing visitors with insight into him as they get under his skin. A reception center, library and garden have also been added in an attempt to answer: Who lived here?
After exploring Antwerp’s iconic landmarks, explore some of its vibrant boutiques lining Nationalestraat and Huidevetterstraat; shop sparkling souvenirs in Antwerp’s Diamond District; watch cutting-edge designs being created at MoMu: Fashion Museum or marvel at all that sparkles at Diamondland; then experience Grote Markt as its lively central square!
The Grand Market
Grote Markt Square in Antwerp is an iconic compact main square renowned for its guild houses that date back to 16th-century guild houses and sixteenth-century city hall. Open 24/7 and free to enter, visitors can freely experience this remarkable sight!
At the center of Grand Market Square is a sprawling fountain containing an elaborate statue of local mythical hero Brabo. According to legend, Brabo fought an evil giant that demanded high tolls for entrance into Antwerp from those trying to reach it via waterway; those refusing payment were punished by having their hand cut off; Brabo eventually defeated this giant, cut off its hand, and threw it into the river as punishment.
Antwerp City Hall stands out as another impressive feature of Grand Market Square; built between 1608 and 1610 as an eye-catching Renaissance structure, it serves as home to both city council and other administrative offices.
There are also other guild houses in the vicinity, some of which have been converted into apartments such as Huis van Kruideniers and Gildehuis der Kuipers.
At Christmas time, Grand Market Square becomes an inviting and lively location where visitors can soak up the festive vibes of this European city. Market stalls lining its streets offer everything from warm waffles to spiced mulled wine.
The Grand Market Square can be easily reached from most of the city’s top attractions, including MAS | Museum aan de Stroom, Diva Museum and Rubens House. In addition, several walking tours departing from here will take you further afield – to places such as Red Light Districts as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites in Bruges and Ghent districts.
The Antwerp Zoo
Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world, having opened to the public in 1843 with a mere few goats and horses as attractions, some stuffed animals and some exotic birds. Over time however, its collections grew considerably; by the late nineteenth century new buildings had been added to house the increasing animal count – now restored with new purposes; for instance the Okapi Temple which still houses some okapis introduced at Antwerp in 1919 has now been transformed into a reptile building!
Another highlight is the Aviary, where bird lovers will find paradise. Visitors can stroll beneath lush green trees while admiring exotic species from all around the globe as they chirp at each other and give off beautiful scents as they sing or chirp with each other.
The zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and conducts comprehensive research and conservation programs. Furthermore, it partners with international organizations that share this mission.
Visits to zoos are a wonderful way for families to gain knowledge about wildlife and how it should be protected, with numerous educational programs offering guided tours and workshops specifically aimed at children.
The Zoo of Los Angeles is easily accessible, located just minutes from the train station in the city center. Traveling by car may prove tricky as the park operates as a low emission zone requiring vehicles with clean emissions to enter. Therefore, visitors traveling this way should bring with them valid emissions certificates for entry.