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.

Grote Markt - Market Square - Antwerpen visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Grote Markt - Market Square' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Antwerpen.

Grote Markt, the heart of the Old City of Antwerp, contains the Brabo fountain made by sculptor Jef Lambeaux in 1887. It depicts the legend of the origin of the city's name. The story is that in ancient times the giant Druoon Antigoon lived on the banks of the Scheldt and charged a fee to all sailing up the river. Those refusing to pay had their right hands chopped off. Thus Druoon Antigoon terrorised the region for many years until Silvius Brabo, a Roman soldier, killed the giant, cut off it's right hand and threw it in the river. Thus Antewerpen from hand-werpen (Dutch for 'hand weapon'). Though false, the hands appear on the city's coat of arms along with the Steen Castle.

The City Hall was restored by Pierre Bruno Bourla, who also played a part in the restoration of the Cathedral of Our Lady and designed the Bourla Theatre on Komedieplaats.

Metro: Groenplaats
Tram: Groenplaats (2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 15)