Explora la cultura de Antwerp (Antwerpen): Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Antwerp (Antwerpen) a través de sus museos y monumentos.
Antwerp is the epicenter of the avant-garde in Belgium, a vibrant and self-assured port city that effortlessly combines its immense historical wealth with modern, creative energy. As the world's diamond capital and birthplace of cutting-edge fashion, its streets brim with style and sophistication. From the breathtaking Cathedral that houses masterpieces by Rubens, to Zaha Hadid's futuristic Harbor House, Antwerp is a city of spectacular contrasts. It is a place where art history, global commerce and fashion design intertwine, creating a dynamic, prosperous and decidedly 'cool' destination.
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Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Antwerp (Antwerpen)
A world-class artistic center, from Rubens' baroque to avant-garde fashion.
Best of local culture
Museums & Galleries
Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)
The largest Gothic church in Belgium, with a 123-meter tower dominating the city. It houses four masterpieces by Pieter Paul Rubens.
Main Square (Grote Markt)
The historic heart of Antwerp, surrounded by opulent Renaissance guild houses, the Town Hall and the Brabo Fountain.
Rubens House (Rubenshuis)
The palace and workshop where the baroque master Pieter Paul Rubens lived and worked. It offers a glimpse into his life and houses works by him and his contemporaries.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
The original printing and publishing house of the 16th century. An incredible journey through time and the only museum in the world declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Festivals & Events
Zomer van Antwerpen
SummerA summer-long cultural festival with events throughout the city.
Antwerp Pride
AugustOne of the largest and most festive Pride parades in Belgium.
History
Origins
The city's legend tells of the giant Druon Antigoon, who demanded a toll from ships on the Scheldt River, cutting off the hands of those who refused. He was defeated by the Roman hero Silvio Brabo, who threw the giant's hand into the river, giving rise to the name 'Antwerpen' (from 'hand werpen', to throw the hand).
Development
Antwerp's golden age was the 16th century, when its port made it one of the most important and richest cities in the world, a global financial and cultural center. It was a hive of art, with Pieter Paul Rubens as its most illustrious citizen. The 'Spanish Fury' in 1576 and the subsequent blockade of the Scheldt marked the beginning of its decline, diverting trade to Amsterdam.
Modern era
In the 19th century, the port regained its importance. At the end of the 20th century, the city reinvented itself as a fashion capital thanks to the success of the 'Antwerp Six', a group of avant-garde designers who graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Today, Antwerp is the most important port in Belgium and the second in Europe, a global center for diamonds and a magnet for lovers of art, fashion and design.
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Culture
A world-class artistic center, from Rubens' baroque to avant-garde fashion.
Heritage
It was the financial center of the world in the 16th century and the home of Rubens, one of the most influential artists in history.
Architecture
A spectacular showcase of styles, from Brabantine Gothic and Renaissance to the most exquisite Art Nouveau and the boldest contemporary architecture.
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Explore the Zurenborg neighborhood
Take the tram to the Draakplaats stop and get lost along Cogels-Osylei, Transvaalstraat and Waterloostraat. It is the most impressive set of Art Nouveau and Fin-de-siècle architecture you can imagine.
Visit the roof of the MAS museum
Even if you don't enter the museum (Museum aan de Stroom), access to the rooftop is free. Ride the escalators to enjoy one of the best 360-degree panoramic views of the city and port.
Antwerp is a fashionable city
The locals dress with style. It is a city where appearance and design are important.
tap water
It is drinkable and of excellent quality.
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