Self-guided Walking Tour of Antwerp Belgium

Antwerp, Belgium is one of the busiest sea ports in Europe. It is also called the city of diamonds. We set off on our self guided Walking Tour of Antwerp in search of diamonds… read incredible sights of Antwerp.

After touring Cathedral of our Lady Antwerp we proceeded to Grote Markt.

Before I show more of Antwerp here is the story of the origin of its name. The legend revolving around the story of the city’s name has a giant as its main character.

This giant, Antigoon, resided near the river Scheldt flowing by the city. Anybody who crossed the river would have to pay him a toll, failure to do so would mean loosing one of their hands.

A ship crossing the river would have to pay a high toll. Refusal would lead to entire crew loosing their arm. The giant would severe one of their hands and throw it in to the river Scheldt.

Walking Tour of Antwerp

Soon the role got reversed. A young brave man by the name Brabo cut off the giant’s hand and flung it into the river, ending his tyranny for ever.

The name Antwerpen, derived from Dutch: hand werpen, as in Old English hand and wearpan meaning to throw. This story is depicted in a single scene in the form a fountain, at the heart of the city in the Grote market.

Het Steen Castle, Antwerp

Antwerp’s oldest building, Het Steen Castle is one impressive structure standing tall and mighty on the banks of river Schelde. The origin of this castle is from 650 AD. But nothing from that period remains any more.

The building ceased to a castle long back, instead it housed many different characters including prisoners from 1303 to 1827. It was converted to museum of Archeology in 1890. Until 2008 it was the National Maritime Museum. The castle was under renovation when we visited.

We wandered through the courtyards, walkways and riverfront. That in itself was a pleasant experience. The old hangars next to the castle Het Steen, house some boats belonging to the collection of the Maritime Museum.

The old warehouses and halls, some being renovated, some had old abandoned look.

Het Steen Castle Antwerp

Walking Tour of Antwerp – Het Steen Castle

The latest I read about this place is: On May 19, 2012, the Steen castle was reopened. The building is now being used as a space aimed at young children, with some limited animation. The first floor features a café-for-all, with windows overlooking the river.

Grote Market, Antwerp

The Grote market of Antwerp is worth a stop; in fact it will be ideal to start tour of Antwerp town from here. All major sights are within walking distance from this place. Starting the tour from one side of the town and walking towards the Antwerp’s central market would help to take a short rest, a bite and drink from the many cafes around the market and then proceed for the rest of the tour. That is what we did.

Grote market of Antwerp

Golden Boat

We sat down and relaxed here in the heart of this old town for a while. The sights of the old buildings, the facades were like from a story book. The guild houses all around were the most fascinating. As if the time stood still and all moving creatures turned to golden statues.

We lost count of the golden statues we saw erected over those buildings. I am sure each has a story. I am trying to google out the stories of these wonderful statues, any clues or links to them would be most welcome.

Grote market Walking Tour of Antwerp

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