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.
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.
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.
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.
Beautiful!!
Beautiful pictures and interesting text!
What a great story!
lovely picture and story…you have so many pictures and always a new story to tell!! cheers.
Thank you for teaching us!
There was a similar troublesome giant here on Oahu. One time he met his match, and was sliced from his head into two. Today mount Olomana with it's 2 peaks, is all that ids left of the giant Olomana.
Glad the giants are no more, Indrani-
Friendly Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
> < } } (°>
Antwerp is a beautiful city! Have been there, many times in my childhood, since it was only 1 1/2 hrs. away from where I lived. I don't know where you got your info about the harbor/port, but I doubt if it's the busiest in Europe!
iteresting story. Thanks for sharing.
What a great historical story. I adore Belgium and it people and its chocolate. I spent a heavenly week in Ypres that I will never forget. I still want to go back and take my husband. Your picture is lovely. genie
Very interesting history and wonderful shots of the beautiful city.
That's a gruesome yet fascinating story! 🙂
Beautiful photos from your travel! 🙂 An adorable statue! 🙂
Great post!! Love the story. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Never knew this legend.Quite interesting and the picture speaks eloquently
Lovely pictures that you have shown us, Indrani.
Nice pictures of this wonderful city, good frames.
Nice captures..
http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
An interesting story. I love the two photos you've posted; one of the interesting architecture and the other of the story you told.
Interesting Legend !
Interesting history of the city.
fascinating legend indeed! thanks for sharing along with lovely pic!
Fascinating history and certainly a different statue! Marvelous captures of a lovely city! Hope you have a great week, Indrani!
Sylvia
Nice shots Indrani