More of Antwerp

Not as big as the "Grand'Place" of Brussels, but certainly as beautiful is the "Grote Markt" (Town Square) of Antwerp.Here is still the heart of the old city. The Grote Markt is beautifully surrounded by the Town Hall and the so-called houses of the Guilds or corporations. In the background the tower of Our Lady's Cathedral completes the magnificent view.

The houses of the Guilds are unfortunately not the original ones. A large part of the Grote Markt burned down in 1576. Most of the houses were rebuilt shortly afterwards by Hans Vredeman, the town architect, in Flemish Renaissance style. In the 19th century the houses were again renovated. Nowadays the Grote Markt is one of the most pleasant squares in the city (certainly since vehicular traffic has been banned from it).

During beautiful warm summer days most people choose this spot to enjoy a refreshing beer from one of the many terraces. In the middle of the square stands the Brabo fountain. The statue was made by sculptor Lambeaux in 1887. According to a legend, in ancient times a terrible giant called Druon Antigoon lived on the banks of the Scheldt. Whenever sailors on the river refused to pay a heavy toll, he punished them by cutting off their hand. A Roman soldier, Silvius Brabo, managed to kill the giant, cut off his hand and threw it in the Scheldt. Hence, also according to legend, the name of the city: "hand" and "werpen" (throw).

A nice legend, but untrue... Nevertheless, the hand is the symbol of Antwerp. There are hands in the town flag and several sweets in the form of hands (cookies, chocolates). In any case, without the Brabo fountain, the Grote Markt would not be complete...

Het Steen

"Steen" is the Dutch word for stone. In Antwerp, "Het Steen" is the name of the little castle that can be seen at the entrance of the city center, on the border of the river Scheldt. The castle is called that way because it was one of the earliest buildings constructed with stones (at a time when most houses were still built with wood). The name Steen can be found in other cities too. It always refers to a castle-like fortification (e.g.: the castle of the counts of Flanders in the city of Ghent is also called 'Graven-steen', or (stone) Castle of the Counts).

The Antwerp Steen has been renovated numerous times. It was probably built as a part of the fortification around the city in the 13th century. In 1520, during the reign of Charles V, the castle was renovated by the architects Keldermans and De Waghemakere. The chapel which forms a loggia above the entrance dates from this period. It bears the motto of Charles V 'Plus Outre'. The Steen was used as a prison from 1549 until 1823. From 1862 on, it was used as the Archeological Museum. It was again renovated in 1889-1890 and a Neo-gothic wing was added to the building.

The National Navigation Museum has been housed here since 1952. Next to the castle are the large storage halls of the 19th century harbor. Here can be seen numerous vessels and boats which belong to the Maritime Museum.