Hendrik Conscienceplein
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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Hendrik Conscience Square 2
View in 360 degrees : Quicktime VR - PangeaVR - DevalVR - Flash
Click here for more information about the different viewers
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