Grote Markt
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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