Belgium is not necessarily one of the most renowned of tourist destinations but its cities are safe, clean and pleasant places, full of interesting history and captivating attractions.Antwerp fits this description exactly, Belgium’s second largest city and the centre of the diamond trade. This is where the artist Ruben’s painted and you will find examples of his work everywhere. The city also has a great selection of galleries, museums, bars and cafés, along with lots of impressive architecture for you to see as you walk its streets.
Where to stay in Belgium
As Belgium has grown to be a focus for business and politics in Europe many international chains including Rezidor have opened hotels in Belgium. With two hotels in the both the capital Brussels and Antwerp the group continue to expand to other throughout Belgium. Park Inn is also a brand operated by Rezidor and guest at their hotels can be asurered of high quality accomodation and outstanding service at the Park Inn hotel in Brussels city centre and on the outskirts this hotel in Leuven
Touring Antwerp
European cities are renowned for their old piazze, squares and plazas, Antwerp is no different, The Grote Markt and Groen Platz are two of the city’s best places to meet and relax. The Grote Markt is the historic centre of Antwerp and surrounded with a lovely collection of Renaissance Guildhalls and the large 16th century Town Hall around which guided tours are offered. The Groen Platz, originally a cemetery but in 18th century it was converted into a green square, here you will find a statue of Rubens, and the area is popular with locals having lots café/bars and seating, making it a great place to watch the world go by.
One of the main features visible from both squares is the bulky form of the Cathedral of our Lady completed in 1521. Its turbulent history led to it being damaged over the years through fire and vandalism, being completely refurbished and restored in 1993. It has the tallest church tower in the Low Countries and it also houses four important works by Baroque artist Rubens. There is also a wonderfully colourful stained glass window of the “Last Supper” by Nicolas Rombouts.
Rubenshuis Museum where Antwerp’s celebrated artist, Pieter Paul Rubens lived and painted for at least 30 years of his life. The building features the 17th century Baroque apartments of the artist and his studio where he created much of his artwork.
Antwerp has a great collection of museums and galleries for visitors to explore, there are a number of significant small collections but also vast arenas of history on public display. Amongst these, normally, is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, which houses the best collections of art in Belgium. This is currently undergoing extensive restoration work and until completed much of its massive collection will be on display at the nearby Municipal Museum in Lier
Het Steen, an old 13th century castle that guarded the approaches by the river Scheldt was once the city’s fortress and a jail but now houses the Archaeological Museum and Maritime Museum, it is also the site of the WWII Canadian Troops memorial.
Plantin-Moretus Typographical Museum, this former residence and workshop has a small but noteworthy collection of printing dye and equipment covering 300 years. It is also home to a number of rare documents and books and in 2001 was given the UNESCO unique collection site status.
The diamond district and Diamond Museum near the central railway station has for centuries traditionally been the area of small establishments and workshops dealing with the cutting, polishing and setting, as well as the trade in diamonds. Here you will find the world’s largest museum dealing with the diamond industry, covering its history and processes, you can also view the replica displays of important gems. The Radisson Blu Park Lane Hotel, Antwerp is located within this central district.
Along with its historic and cultural attractions Antwerp also has a modern shopping centre and lively nightlife. You can spend hours exploring its pleasant neighbourhoods, docklands and monumental spaces. From its narrow cobbled streets to its public squares there is plenty to discover. You can travel around in horse drawn carriages or take a cycle tour, either way Antwerp offers visitors many different ways to experience its environs.
