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Antwerpen
Antwerpen
Guide and map of Atwerpe (Antwerpen) in Belguim. Antwerp, the diamond capitol of Europe sits on the Scheldt. It is the second largest city of Belguim and has the second largest harbour in Europe. This guide shows some of the attractions and local features around Antwerp. Here you will find a collection of 360° panoramas taken around the city. Each panorama is accompanied by some local information providing an independent visitor's guide to this popular European city destination.There are several theories about the origin of Antwerp's name, but the most colourful one, celebrated by a statue in front of the city hall, is that it comes from the hand of the giant Antigoon who used to charge a toll to cross the river Scheldt. Failure to do so resulted in him cutting off your hand and throwing it in the river. Eventually Brabo inflicted the same punishment on the giant, throwing his own hand in the river. Thus 'hand werpen' (Dutch for 'hand weapon'), now Antwerpen, Anglicized as Antwerp.
Visitors to Antwerp are met with a beautiful Medieval city, full of 16th Century architecture. At the time it was a major trade center and active port, full of rich merchants and large mansions. Even with the destruction of some of the old town in WWII, plenty of this era remains to explore. Antwerp also had a famous school of painting, training artists like Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens.
For those looking for culture, Antwerp can be split into it's Museums, churches and monuments. Popular parts of the city for visitors include the Port of Antwerp and Jewish District. In addition to this, Antwerp is a very modern city full of cafes, great restaurants, clubs and bars. Because of the wealth of things to see and do, Antwerp continues to be a popular city destination in Europe.
See our Antwerp Index for a full listing of the sights and attractions of Antwerp covered by this guide. The pictures are contributed by photographers who have visited or lived in the city, giving an independent view on the city.
Travel Directions and Getting There:
Flight: Antwerp International Airport, Brussels Airport
Rail: Trains to Antwerp Central station from both national and international destinations.