Het Steen, Castle in Antwerp

Het Steen (the stone) is the oldest building in Antwerp, it was build between 1200-1225. It is called "Het Steen" because it was one of the first buildings in stone. The castle was renovated numerous times and had different functions. From 1549 it was used as a prison until 1823, from 1862 it was an archaeological museum. Until the end of 2008 the National Navigation Museum was here.

On the last photo you can see the statue of a legendary giant called "Lange Wapper". It was made in 1963 and stands in front of the castle. The Lange Wapper can make himself so big that he can move to another city with one giant leap. He uses tricks to approach women to get their breast milk. He annoys drunken people, cheats while playing with children and laughs like the devil.

View location in Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp Central Station

This magnificent railway station was build between 1895 and 1905. It is situated on the Koningin Astridplein 27 close to the Diamond Museum and next to the Zoo in Antwerp. The main building is decorated with marble and has a beautiful huge dome. The platform is covered by a glass and iron vault. The station is also known as the "Railway Cathedral " and is well worth a visit whenever you're in the city.

View location in Antwerp, Belgium

The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp

This Cathedral in Antwerp is the largest Gothic church in the Low Countries. It was build between 1351-1521 and dominates the Antwerp's skyline. The north tower of the cathedral is 123m high, the south tower measures 65,30m. Mary is the patron saint of the cathedral and also of the whole city. Inside you can see a beautiful wooden statue of her with child in one of the chapels. Another great reason to have a look inside are the paintings of Peter Paul Rubens. The cathedral houses "The Raising of the Cross", "Assumption of the Virgin Mary" and "The Descent from the Cross".

View location in Antwerp, Belgium

The Boerentoren

The Boerentoren (Farmers' Tower) in Antwerp was one of the the first skyscrapers of the European continent. It was built in 1931 and was the highest building in Europe until the 1950s. This Art-deco tower has a total height of 97 meters.

View location in Antwerp, Belgium

Stadsfeestzaal Antwerp

The Stadsfeestzaal in Antwerp was originally built in 1908 for official festivities. After a fire in 2000 the building was renovated as a luxurious shopping center. Inside you can find around 40 shops with a number of pilot stores from international brands. The Stadsfeestzaal is located between the Meir and Hopland.

View location in Antwerp, Belgium

Shopping Street the Meir

This famous street in Antwerp is one of the most beautiful shopping streets I ever saw. The street is surrounded with beautiful historic buildings that makes you want to look up all the time. It is situated in the centre of Antwerp and connects the Town Hall with the Central Station.

View location in Antwerp, Belgium