A bit more about the Carolus Borromeus Church

The interior of the Carolus Borromeus Church is almost as impressive as its façade. In the past the church was referred to as ”the marble temple’ Unfortunately the church was struck by lightning on 18 July 1718. Miraculously the apse of the main altar and the Mary Chapel survived. Sadly Rubens’ 39 ceiling paintings went up in smoke.

When the church was rebuilt a lot of pillars, columns and walls were painted instead of getting a layer of marble.

A visit of the Mary Chapel with its abundance of marble, will give you an idea of the church’s original splendor.

Unique in the church is an original mechanism to change the massive altar painting in less than 20 minutes. With a pulley system the altar painting can be put back in an underground storage slot and another one can be put up. Depending on the period of the liturgical year the most appropriate of the 3 altar paintings is on display.

For further information about the Carolus Borromeus Church take a look at the links below.

Carolus Borromeus Church 1

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Carolus Borromeus Church 2

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Carolus Borromeus Church 3

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A bit more about the Hendrik Conscience Square

The Hendrik Conscienceplein is one of the loveliest squares in Antwerp. When the weather is fine and you have some imagination, you might even think you’re in Italy. With a little bit of luck, you might even spot some Belgian bella donnas. Women might spot gorgeous machos with shirts that apparently lost some buttons to show off their chest hair. You’d better be warned and look twice. Not only because Mr Handsome might have a tight ass that makes your fingers itch to pinch his firm buttocks, but he might walk hand in hand with another guy or even kiss him à la française. Antwerp is very popular with gay men and you know that plenty of hot guys are … gay.

When you arrive at the square, the Carolus Borromeus Church immediately attracts everyone’s attention with his absolutely gorgeous Baroque façade. The church was built in record time between 1615 and 1621 after designs by Pieter Huyssens and the Jesuit François d’Aguilon. It’s very likely that Peter Paul Rubens advised and heavily influenced them with his knowledge of Italian architecture. It might be cool to know that the Jesuits were really sure of themselves and already started to build the church without a building permit of the city council.

The other buildings on the square are currently being used by the Lessius Hogeschool (college), the parish priest and the Stadsbibliotheek (City Library). Behind 17th century facades at the other side of the square are some charming pubs where you can chill with a drink and enjoy a tasty meal.

As you all noticed there’s a statue of a bearded guy in front of the Stadsbibliotheek. The dude is Flanders’ most famous 19th century author Hendrik Conscience. Originally the square was named Jezuïtenplein (Jesuit Square). When they put F. Joris’ statue of Hendrik Conscience on the square in 1883, the city council also changed the name of the square to Hendrik Conscienceplein. Don’t be surprised to see good old Hendrik with an empty bottle of beer in his hand. Pranksters love to make him look like an old drunk and promote Belgian oat sodas.

For further information about the Hendrik Conscience Square take a look at the links below.

Hendrik Conscience Square 1

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A bit more about the Cathedral Square (Handschoenmarkt - Glove Market)

The Cathedral of our Lady is the largest Gothic church in the Low Countries. It was constructed between 1352 and about 1530. The completed spire is 123 m. high. The two other spires never reached their full height due to a lack of funds. Inside the Cathedral you’ll be stunned by the architectural wealth and its art treasures. The Descent from the Cross and The Raising of the Cross, two absolute masterpieces by Rubens, are most famous and very popular with most tourists.

On the square in front of the Cathedral (Handschoenmarkt - Glove Market), you can spot a well famous for its fantastic frame by blacksmith and painter Quentin Matsijs. On top of the fence is a sculpture of Brabo who’s about to throw away the giant Antigone’s hand.

For further information about the Cathedral Square take a look at the links below.

Cathedral Square 1

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Cathedral Square 2

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Cathedral Square 3

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A bit more about the Vlaaikensgang

The Vlaaikensgang is without doubt one of the most charming places in Antwerp. You’ll have to look for Oude Korenmarkt 16.
Entering the Vlaaikensgang is like going back in time.

The Vlaaikensgang dates from 1591. In this narrow alley used to live shoemakers. They also had the task to chime the alarm bell in the cathedral in case of fire and danger.
In the ’60s, there were plans to knock everything down to create a parking lot. Luckily antique dealer Alex Vervoordt bought the property and saved it from the sledgehammer.
Today it’s the most popular place to listen to the carillon concerts and the location of top restaurant Sir Anthony Van Dycke.

For further information about the Vlaaikensgang take a look at the links below.

Vlaaikensgang 1

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Vlaaikensgang 2

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A bit more about the Vrijdagsmarkt - Plantin Moretus Museum - Antwerp

The most important attraction on the Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market) is the Plantin-Moretus Museum.
Christoffel Plantijn founded his publishing house ”De Gulden Passer”(The Golden Compasses) in Antwerp in 1555. Twenty-one years later, he relocated his business to the Vrijdagmarkt.
When you visit the museum today, you’ll enter a fully equipped publishing house from the Renaissance-Baroque period. It’s unique in his kind and the Unesco added the Plantin-Moretus Museum to the World Heritage List in 2002.

Around the Vrijdagmarkt are a number of junk dealers who have auctions on Friday from 9 am till 1 pm. If you want a set of old chairs from a bankrupt pub, a vintage chandelier from a hippie who died of an overdose or a cupboard which looks exactly like the one in granny’s living room, this is the place to be to get it at bargain price.

For further information about the Vrijdagsmarkt - Plantin Moretus Museum - Antwerp take a look at the links below.

Vrijdagsmarkt - Plantin Moretus Museum 1

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Vrijdagsmarkt - Plantin Moretus Museum 2

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A bit more about the Zuiderterras (South Terrace)

The Zuidterras promenade along the river Scheldt brings you from the Steen castle to the St. Anna Tunnel. This pedestrian tunnel allows you to reach the left bank of the city in no time. Along your walk on the promenade, you’ll pass the Zuiderterras café and restaurant (black and white building).

The Zuiderterras café and restaurant was designed by Belgian architect bOb Van Reeth. The bOb is not a typo. It’s the way the architect wants his name to be written. It’s what some people might call artistic, others might call it arty-farty.

On MSN using capitals on the wrong place is called being annoying.

Even today the river Scheldt remains an important gateway to the city of Antwerp. A newly-constructed terminal at the Zuidterras makes it possible to bank huge cruise ships in the heart of the historical city centre.

The cruise tourists are welcomed with a view on the Cathedral and they can be in a chocolate shop in less than 3 minutes.

For further information about the Zuiderterras take a look at the links below.

Zuiderterras

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Het Steen - Steen Castle

Het Steen (The Stone) is a castle at the river Scheldt. The castle has been renovated and adapted numerous times during its history. Most likely the castle was originally a part of the city wall and dating back from the 13th century.

In 1520 the castle was renovated and extended by architects Keldermans and De Waghemakere. For a long time (1549-1823) the castle was used as a prison.

In 1862 it became an archeological museum. When the castle was renovated between 1889 and 1890, they also added a wing in neo-gothic style.

Since 1952 ‘t Steen is the location for the Maritime Museum.

For further information about het Steen - Steen Castle take a look at the links below.

Het Steen - Steen Castle 1

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Het Steen - Steen Castle 2

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Het Steen - Steen Castle 3

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A bit more about the Grote Markt - Market Square

The Grote Markt (Grand Market) is the heart of the historical centre.

The square is dominated by the beautiful renaissance town hall and surrounded by Guild Houses. The town hall was designed by Cornelis II Floris De Vriendt and was built between 1561 and 1564. It’s a unique mix of Italian renaissance with Flemish influences. Only a few Guild Houses are authentic 16th century buildings. Most of them are 19th century reconstructions.

In front of the town hall you can admire the Brabo fountain made by sculptor Jef Lambeaux in 1887. According to the legend, Silvius Brabo, a Roman solidier, managed to kill the evil giant Druon Antigoon. The giant lived on the bank of the river Scheldt.
Every sailor who sailed on the Scheldt had to pay him taxes. When a sailor refused or couldn’t pay him, he chopped off his hand and threw it in the river. The legend also gives a fictional explanation forthe name Antwerpen. ‘Ant’ is quite similar to the Dutch word hand (English: hand) and ‘werpen’ means to throw in Dutch.

For further information about the Grote Markt - Market Square take a look at the links below.

Grote Markt - Market Square 1

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Grote Markt - Market Square 2

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Grote Markt - Market Square 3

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The Groenplaats

The Groenplaats (Green Place) is a popular square close to the cathedral. Contrary to its name, you won’t find a lot of green on the square. Apart from a few trees you’ll only spot some weed between the tiles. Many locals and tourists enjoy having a fresh beer on a pub’s terrace on the square.

Some people might see Paris Hilton prancing about the Groenplaats in a way too short skirt. They are probably hallucinating because they underestimated the strength of Belgian beers and liquors. The only Hilton you’ll definitely get to see is the hotel on the right side of the square. The Hilton group turned the majestic building of the department store Grand Bazar into a luxurious hotel. If you can’t afford to spend a night in one of the rooms, you might decide to have a drink in the lobby. Behind the hotel is a real paradise for shopaholics the Grand Bazar shopping centre! It’s the biggest shopping centre in the inner city with about 50 stores waiting to charge your credit card.

Nothing reminds us that the Groenplaats used to be Antwerp’s central graveyard. Don’t worry you’re not walking on skulls and bones because underneath the square is an underground parking lot. The large crucifix in the middle of the square has been replaced by a statue of Antwerp’s most famous painter Peter Paul Rubens.

For further information about the Groenplaats take a look at the links below.

The Groenplaats

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Vleeshuis

The original Vleeshuis (butcher’s hall) was constructed around 1250. By the start of the 16th century, the Vleeshuis became too small and was in bad condition. The butcher’s guild decided to demolish it and build a new Vleeshuis on the same location.

The new Vleeshuis, twice as big as the old one, was built between 1501 and 1504 with a very stricking facade made of red brick with layers of white sandstone. It’s located near the Vleesmarkt (Meat Market) where the animals used to be slaughtered. Afterwards the meat was transferred to the ground floor of the Vleeshuis where it was sold in 62 stalls. The butcher’s guild also had a chapel, banqueting hall, meeting room and kitchen in the building.

In the 19th century the building was used as an atelier and theatre. In 1899 the city purchased the building. After restoration works, it was turned into a museum. Currently it has a collection of old instruments and items about the history of Antwerp.

For further information about the Vleeshuis take a look at the links below.

Vleeshuis 1

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Vleeshuis 2

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Vleeshuis 3

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