ANTWERP (Antwerpen), Flanders \ Belgium

It was in the 13th century that Antwerp, a small settlement that was already a thousand year old, really began to grow. The medieval Het Steen stronghold, the Gothic Cathedral and the unique Renaissance Town Hall dominate the old city. In narrow streets and alleyways amid these landmarks, the homes of ordinary folk stand shoulder to shoulder stopped with the age. But they do not bow, not even to the baroque splendour and the refined rococo of the 17th and 18th century patrician homes.

In contrast, there is the 19th century urban expansion with its middle-class houses in all sorts of neo-styles. The Jugendstil area around the Cogels-Osylei is world famous. An in the recent years, daring examples of modern architecture have appeared here and there.

Antwerp is indisputably the diamond centre of the world. The celebrated “Antwerp polish” is founded on five centuries of tradition.

Antwerp is the hometown of some of the famous Flemish painters such us: Teniers, Jacob Jordaens, Antoon Van Dyck and in particular Pieter Paul Rubens

Language: Flemish (Dutch) Currency: €uro

 DOCKING

Antwerp Euro Terminal at Quay 1333 (Verrebroekdock) on the left bank of river Schelde To get to Antwerp the vessels have to steam up the Schelde for some 40 nautical miles, (74 km, 46 statue miles), pass the “Kallolock” and then sail abt.40 minutes to arrive finally at her berth inside the docks.

 TO GET TO TOWN

The historic downtown area, situated on the right bank of river Schelde, is at 15 to 25 minutes by taxi. Tel (03) 366 6666 or (03) 238 3838. Alternatively you can take a taxi to terminal of city-tramway #15, and reach the city denter by this very pratical and ecological public transport. There are 4 usefull stops in the center:

Walking is not an issue, for the distance and because of the tunnel you have to take to cross the river. GROENPLAATS, middle of the historic center, statue of Rubens, Cathedral MEIR, in the middle of the predestrian shopping area. OPERA, at the edge of the shopping area ASTRID. Central Railway Station and Antwerp Zoo

Museum Van Schone Kunsten (Museum of Fine Arts); Stadhuis (City Hall) a fine example of 16th century Renaissance architecture (open daily); Onze Lieve Vrouw Kathedraal (Cathedral of our Lady), the largest Gothic Cathedral in the Lower Countries with a 123 m (410 ft) high tower (open Mon-Fri 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, Sat. 10.00 am to 3.00 pm, Sun. 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm); Statue of Brabo, legendary symbol who gave Antwerp its name; Plantijn Museum (Printers Museum Plantin), art of book printing in the 16th and 17th century; Statue of Rubens; Rubenshuis (house a the famous painter); National Scheepvaart Museum (Maritime Museum); St.-Pauluskerk (St. Paul’s Church) open daily May to September;

WHAT TO VISIT

Unless otherwise stated, open Tue-Sun 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Belgium is famous for its chocolates. Leonidas on Keyserlei (near Central Railway Station) is worth seeing for both the chocolates and the building they are in. The Zoo, behind the Central Railway Station is quite nice.

SHOPPING

The main shopping area is concentrated on the Meir and on the Keiserlei (and their surrounding streets). If you are interested in purchasing Diamonds, this is the place for it.

EATING OUT

In the historic city centre, there are plenty of Restaurants of all types and prices. Antwerp has been a trading centre for centuries. Here you can find eateries offering cuisine from over the world. You also might try one (or some) of the famous Belgium beers, such as Duvel, De Koick (to order as “bolleke”), Hoegaarden, etc.