In the historic heart of Antwerp, Belgium, lies the Main Market Square (known locally as Grote Markt), a breathtaking open plaza surrounded by ornate guild houses, the iconic Renaissance-style Town Hall, and the legendary Brabo Fountain. This is one of Antwerp’s most visited and photographed locations, where architecture, folklore, and civic history blend into a stunning display of Flemish heritage.
Antwerp’s Town Hall and Guild Houses
Dominating one side of the square is the Antwerp Town Hall, a UNESCO-listed building constructed between 1561 and 1565 in a Renaissance style with Gothic influences. The structure symbolizes Antwerp’s rise as a wealthy merchant city during the 16th century.
Surrounding the Town Hall are rows of guild houses, historically the headquarters for the city’s various trade guilds. Although many of the original buildings were destroyed in a fire in the 16th century, they were carefully reconstructed in the following years to reflect their former grandeur, complete with ornate facades, gilded statues, and stepped gables. Each guild house tells a story of a different trade, blacksmiths, butchers, and coopers, among others, that played a vital role in Antwerp's growth as a commercial hub.
The Legend of Brabo and the Fountain
In the center of the square stands the Brabo Fountain, one of Antwerp’s most iconic statues. Created by sculptor Jef Lambeaux in the late 19th century, the dramatic sculpture depicts Silvius Brabo, a mythical Roman soldier, in the act of throwing a severed hand into the Scheldt River.
The legend behind this statue is key to understanding both the city’s folklore and even its name. According to the tale, a giant named Druon Antigoon lived near the Scheldt and demanded tolls from sailors navigating the river. Those who refused were punished, he would cut off their hand and throw it into the water. Brabo defeated the giant, severed his hand, and threw it into the river himself, symbolizing justice and freedom of passage. The word "Antwerp" is said to derive from "hand werpen", Dutch for "to throw a hand".
Why You Should Visit?
The Main Market Square is a hub of local life, especially in the warmer months when its cafes and terraces are full of people enjoying food and drinks with a backdrop of some of the most beautiful buildings in Belgium. Seasonal events and markets often take place here, making it an ideal spot for both history lovers and those simply looking to soak in authentic Flemish atmosphere.