Venere Travel Blog» Belgium

Things to Do in Antwerp, Belgium

Grace A. — Sat, 09 May 2009 09:00:51 +0000

The city of Antwerp is the capital of Antwerp province in the district of Flanders in Belgium.

This historical city dates back to the Gallo-Roman era. The Golden Age of Antwerp dawned in the sixteenth century when it became the second largest city north of the Alps. There are records of more than a hundred ships passing its port in a day. Powered by a pepper dominated economy, followed by silver and the textile market made Antwerp an important trading base. Originally a fortified city, Antwerp today has broken down all walls to become one of the most welcoming cities in Europe. Discovering Antwerp is like discovering a little gem in Europe, literally too because Antwerp has become synonymous with that little gem that is known as a girl’s best friend – the diamond. As an important center of art and fashion there is much to see in Antwerp.

Historical buildings in Antwerp

Het Steen, which literally translates as ‘The Stone’ is the oldest building in Antwerp and dates back to the beginning of the thirteenth century. This medieval castle in the only remnant of, what was the fortified city of Antwerp. A bas-relief of the Scandinavian god of youth and fertility, Semini, sits just above the entrance archway and dates back to the second century.

Our Lady’s Cathedral of Antwerp is one of the largest in Europe. Its north tower has dominated the skyline of the city for five centuries without changing but the cathedral itself, with several reconstructions, has evolved through time to become a testament of changing architectural styles. A little Gothic, a little renaissance and some baroque, rococo and many more styles, all merge fluidly with each other. It contains within it masterpieces from every century since its creation like the Madonna carved in marble from the fourteenth century, wall paintings from the fifteenth, statue of ‘Our Lady of Antwerp’ dating back to the sixteenth century and so on.

But the most famous inhabitants of the castle are probably Raising of the Cross and Descent from the Cross, two of Rubens’ masterpieces. The St. Carolus Borromeus Church is a Jesuit church in Antwerp. Mainly Baroque in style Ruben contributed heavily to its exterior and interior design. The pièce de résistance of the church is the interchangeable painting- three paintings above the altar that can be interchanged using the still-working original mechanism.

Antwerp Museums

The most famous museum in Antwerp is probably the Diamond Museum. This ‘image and sound’ museum is truly fascinating providing a complete sensory experience. It also has a splendid display of replicas of famous diamonds like the British Crown Jewels along with contemporary diamond works.

The house of Rubens is a unique museum. This was the house in which the most famous artist of the region lived for the last half of his life. A stylish Renaissance-Baroque structure, though the house doesn’t look exactly like it did during Rubens’ time, it is still an interesting visit because of its beauty and its gardens, and above all the collection of paintings housed in it. Rubens’ work shop and private quarters are also open to the public.

Antwerp’s Mode Museum is a recent addition to the museum scene in the city. It is devoted to showcasing the famous fashion designers both contemporary and ancient, going as far back as the sixteenth century. Its displays include not only the finished product but also the tools of the trade, the textile processing process in its entirety.

The Open Air Museum in Middleheim has an extraordinary collection of western sculpture by artists like Rodin, Manzu and Bourdelle.

Other Attractions in Antwerp

One of the oldest zoos in the world is the Antwerp Zoo. With more than six thousand animals belonging to nine hundred and fifty different species it is Antwerp’s most popular tourist destination. The zoo has gained much international acclaim for its efforts in breeding threatened species like the Congo peacock and the Golden Lion Tamarin. In addition to the almost completely natural biotopes for the animals, there is the nocturama which houses nocturnal animals, a bird house, the winter garden and a planetarium, along with several other attractions.

The Antwerp Port is second only to the Rotterdam port among all European ports. It has contributed to the cosmopolitan character of the city along with its prosperity throughout its history. The port and its occupants are the principal characters of Eugeen Van Mieghem’s paintings. The Eugeen Van Mieghem Museum is a great place to catch the artist’s representation of the port.

The Grote Markt is the Town Square of the old city of Antwerp. Today it is a very pleasant square and a great place to grab some food and beer. The Town Hall and the reconstructed guild houses surround the Grote Markt with the tower of Our Lady’s Cathedral rising in the background. The Brabo fountain in the middle of this square harks back to the legend of Silvius Brabo, the Roman soldier who cut off the hand of the giant Druoon Antigoon and freed the sailors. The terrible giant would cut off the hand of all those crossing the Scheldt river who refused to pay him a toll. Jef Lambeaux sculpted this statue in 1887. The hand is Antwerp’s symbol and sits on everything from its flags down to the local chocolates. Discovering Antwerp is its own reward. Try it out, you will be glad you did!

Photo of Grote Markt, Antwerp, Belgium, by celesteh

Top 5 Architectural Landmarks in Antwerp, Belgium

Ami K. Goemans — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:03:05 +0000

On a recent family excursion to Antwerp, Belgium, we were swept off our feet by this charming city. Aah, to stroll along a city so ancient but so alive with history and culture. Well, to distort Carroll ruthlessly, it is time to talk of many things … in Antwerp: of historic cathedrals and majestic castles, of towering guild houses and looming skyscrapers and about a really old meat house.

And I present you with the five sightseeing musts of Antwerp!

1. Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady)

At the risk of sounding like an awe-struck tourist, I must gush profusely about this building. You cannot help but be amazed by the intricate designs and the attention to detail. Deemed as one of the tallest churches in the world, this elegant building witnessed many turbulent as well as interesting developments in Belgian history. As a history buff, it gives you shivers to visit a historic building that was part of or was directly affected by major upheavals in local history.

Alert for art lovers – to commemorate the founding of Bishorpic of Antwerp 450 years ago, there will be an interesting exhibition from June to November 2009. This is basically an exhibition of some of the great masterpieces from the Golden Age.

By the way, do note that those who wish to do so can visit this Roman Catholic church for Mass. Do check the website for times and details.

Tourist factor: Culture, history, Gothic artwork.

Entrance Fee: Euro 5*

Address (visitor’s entrance) : Handschoenmarkt, B-2000 Antwerp

Visiting hours:
Mon – Fri: 10 – 5pm
Sat: 10 – 3pm
Sun & public holidays: 1 – 4pm

*As stated on the website in January 2009.

2. Grote Markt (Town Square)

So what’s the fuss about the town square, you ask? Ah, but wait until you see this spot. It is a quaint town square that is blanketed by some of the most beautiful architectural wonders. Surrounded by bustling cafes and the like, this is a trendy area that boasts arts, culture and history. If special agent James Bond were to have a rendezvous at any spot in Antwerp, I would expect the Grote Markt to be the perfect backdrop for this meeting.

What’s to see in the town square? Call it an after-effect of reading too many Pratchett novels but my personal favorite were the Guild Houses. As it is, I had immense amounts of fun guessing the name of the guild simply by observing the statues perched on each roof (side note: some of my guesses were far off).

Then there is the Brabo fountain. If you relish collecting little bits of background information about places, this fountain will definitely interest you. The statue depicts a man preparing to throw a chopped-off hand. As charming as that sounds, there is a legend to this whole scenario. Story goes that a brave Roman Soldier, Brabo, gave an evil toll-collecting, hand-chopping giant his just deserts when he briskly cut off his hand and threw it into the river. According to popular legends, this was how Antwerp got its name – hand (hand) and werpern (throw) evolved to be Antwerp (Side note: It’s a fascinating legend but the real origins of the name Antwerp probably is based on its earliest settlement location and hence comes from words aanwerp (alluvial mound)).

Tourist factor: Culture, history, architecture, decorative arts, cafes with Belgian beer!

Address: Look for Grote Markt street.

3. Het Steen (The Stone)

Eddie Izzard’s wry comment about castles in Europe sums up the reason why I would visit a castle. Point is, no matter how often I have seen castles in adorable animated movies (and the occasional grownup drama where the scullery maid runs off with the family jewels), a real life castle is always that much more impressive. It’s a massive, looming fortress with all these intricate little designs and details. Perhaps the use of castles as a means of defense also adds to the appeal?

Het Steen or The Stone is one such castle. Not only is it a magnificent monument that tempts you to whip out your camera but it is also significant in the part (or parts) it played in the history of Antwerp. For instance, this 800 year old castle is one of the first structures to be constructed with stone!

An addition attractions can be found within the premises of the castle. One is the rather odd statue of a man with spindly legs. Apparently it is called Lange Wapper and depicts a man from ages past; a strange old one who used to scare children and frighten drunks.

Tourist factor: History, architecture, culture!

Address:

(Around) Steenplein 1
B-2000 Antwerp
Belgium

4. Boerentoren

Observe, a quaint art deco style monument from the 1930s. Currently it houses one of the biggest banks in Belgium (the Kredietbank). That explains the rather noticeable KBC sign on top of that tower.

At first glance, you don’t quite understand the significance of this tower. Unless you happen to be an art deco fan, in which case you’ve already whipped out your camera. Where interesting bits of historical titbits are concerned, I was told that this was one of the first skyscrapers in Europe. In today’s world of mega structures this might not seem as impressive now, but it would have been a matter of much excitement during those golden years.

As for the name itself, it means “farmer’s tower”. How did it come by this name? Seems like the biggest client for the bank in the time of construction were farmers’ corporation.

There’s quite a bit of history surrounding the tower. Those who love a bit of background story will find it interesting that this tower witnessed some of the attacks and assaults during the Second World War; in this way, it becomes part of the retelling of WWII stories.

Tourist factor: History, architecture, decorative arts.

Address:

Schoenmarkt 35, Antwerp, BE-2000, Belgium, BE

Between the Meir and the Groenplaats

5. Vleeshuis (Meat House)

Admittedly, this might not be everyone’s favorite sightseeing choice. Don’t get me wrong; it is not an active butchery as such. Rather it is a monument to the Butcher’s Hall from the good old days of Guilds. However, if you would rather avoid meat references as such, give it a miss.

This brings me to the description of the massive towering monument. Dating back to the 16th century, it was apparently built by an architect by the name of De Waghemakere. It was constructed, in all this magnificent splendor, for the butcher’s guild. During the days of artisans and guilds, this was apparently the only place authorized to sell meat.

I found it fascinating that the colloquial term speklagen (bacon layer) was used to describe the red on white the construction style (red brick + white sandstone).

Don’t fret too much about the worrying aspects of visiting a butchery, the Vleeshuis is no longer a meat hall. Instead, it is now the impressive structure that houses a museum for arts and archaeology.

Address:
Vleeshouwersstraat 38-40
B-2000 Antwerpen

Opening hours: Tue – Sun (10 am – 5 pm)

Official Website: Museum Vleeshuis

Photo of the Cathedral of Antwerp, Belgium by © bart

Why is Belgian chocolate so good?

Phil McDonald — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:00:23 +0000

One of the sure-fire ways to a woman’s heart is with a Belgian chocolate. But then one of the sure-fire ways to a man’s is much the same. For centuries now those Belgians have been leading the world with their sweet treats but what is it about them and what makes them so good at it?

Italy has olive oil, France has wine, Germany has sausages. These are all countries around Belgium that for years have taken vast amounts of time and effort making their favorite things. They nurture the ingredients and then the production process and they all have special shops and stalls where they can sell the very best of the best to people who can tell the best from the rest. Belgium is so good at making chocolate because it treats it exactly the same way.

In nearly every other country in the world, chocolate is made in much the same way as cars: on the factory line. Although they still taste good to you and I, a Mars or a Snickers is nothing like the chocolate the chocolatiers in Belgium know. There is the same attention to detail and admiration for the art of the profession in Belgium as with wine-makers or even artists.

The Old World methods of making chocolates in Belgium date back to the 18th Century but in 1912 a man came along and changed all of what we now know as the world of luxury chocs today. His name was Jean Neuhaus and he was Belgian. He came up with a new technique that would eventually result in his country being head and shoulders above the rest of the chocolate eating world. He discovered the praline. His idea was to have a hard chocolate mold called a couverteur for a little sweet, but inside he would fill it with soft nougats and creams of all different flavors. These would range from toffee to coffee from coconut to hazelnut but they were different from everything else around and no one could replicate the incredible taste.

The chocolate shops in Belgium will show you more about why they are the best in the world. The lengthy and precise way in which the chocolatiers hand-make all the chocolates has set the bar for the rest of the world. The couverteur that the chocolatier receives is usually hard and then has to be reheated and molded to the desired shape. But what makes Belgium elite is the couverteur they receive is almost always kept warm so as not to lose an of the special aroma and taste before shaping.

If you want to really experience the best Belgian chocolate in the world then Neuhaus is still open for business and it has an online shop where you might need to get your credit card out if you fancy trying some.

Photo of Belgian chocolates in Brussels originally posted by c3Isius_bb

Top 5 sights to see in Bruges

Ellie Groden — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:22:02 +0000

Bruges, Belgium is a must see. With medieval rooftops that step up to the sky, a history that spans back to the Vikings, and canals that credit the city as one of Europe’s “Venice of the North,” the enjoyment expands to every sense.

Flemish masterpieces of art and architecture, rambling cobblestone alleys, chocolate shops on every corner, and, of course, the beer. It is an easy place to travel to and within, and these five spots can be done in one day. A day you will neither regret, nor soon forget.

1. The Market Square

The Market Square (Grote Markt) is the heart of medieval Bruges. In the center is a statue celebrating the heroes, Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninc, of the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302 when a French Belgium was forced to recognize the Flemish emancipation. The Southern side of the square displays the medieval style houses. Their roofs literally look like stairs to the clouds, and the colors are just as warm as the charm. To the west is the Provincial Court. Built in the neo-gothic style this enchanting building indicates the change that took place in Bruges architecture during the 19th century. On the north side is the Belfry tower (see below) and on the east side are various hotels with restaurants on the ground level that extend into the square and offer the essential Belgian delights. From frites (fries) to fresh mussels to local beer and donuts, these cater to tourists so don’t expect the best prices in town, but certainly enjoy the ambiance. The square has been free of traffic since 1996 but keep your eyes open for bicycles, mopeds, and buses that will come flying through.

2. The belfry tower

The Belfry tower (Belfort) was built in 1220, with additions in 1240 and reconstruction after it burned in 1280, 1491, and 1781. The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow aptly wrote in a poem titled “The Belfry of Bruges,”

In the market-place of Bruges stands the belfry old and brown; Thrice consumed and thrice rebuilt, still it watches o’er the town.

The final touch was a stone parapet added to the roof in 1821. The building served as a bell tower, watchtower, and market during the thirteenth century when Bruges was coming up as a prominent center of the Flemish cloth industry. Standing 83 meters high it is well worth the 366-step climb to view the entire city. On your way up the narrow spiral staircase you can stop and catch your breath in the different rooms along the way, I happened upon a man playing the 47 bells like an elaborate piano and hurried to the top where you can see the bells chiming through an open screen ceiling. If you can stand the noise, it is an incredible, and loud, musical performance to accompany the magnificence of the view. On a clear day it is not unlikely you will see the North Sea.

Note: Do not be offended if while you are in the ticket line, the ticket sales come to a halt. Take the time to reflect of the medieval architecture of the gift shop, the sales will resume in fifteen or so minutes, and the Belgian’s are not to be rushed.

3. The Gruuthuse

The Gruuthuse house and museum is a mansion that once belonged to the Gruuthuse family, one of the richest in Bruges. “Gruut” in old Flemish means peeled barley or wheat and therefore the Gruuthuse’s held quite a monopoly over the beer brewing market. The house still holds many of their treasures from as far back as the thirteenth century. The guided audio tour is free and available at the front desk in several languages. There is a three-piece oil painting on the altar that is worth spending some time in front of, and there are small folding chairs available for just that reason. Take your time, be sure to pop your head into every doorway and climb up each stairwell you are allowed, and note the hundreds of years of wear on each step. Outside, listen for the harp player in the square.

4. Saint John’s Hospital

Saint John’s Hospital (Hospitaalmuseum) was built in 1188 as a hospital for pilgrims and passersby in need of medical and religious attention before their deaths. Nuns and monks ran it from the ninth century to the nineteenth when a proper hospital was built. Fortunately, the old one remains for visitors and now houses works of some of the best Flemish artists. The audio tour is free, as are the little chairs. Make yourself comfortable, and pay attention to the painting of the original hospital for a view of what pubic health care was more than eight centuries ago.

5. The St. John’s House Mill and the Koelewei Mill

The St. John’s House Mill and the Koelewei Mill (Sint-Janshuismolen and Koeleweimolen) are just two of the four windmills along the park and river that encircles the city and is about a 12-15 minute walk from any point in central Bruges. Built in 1770 and 1765 the above listed are both functioning grain mills and museums that can be visited. The Saint John’s House Mill is on a hill that offers a beautiful panorama of the city. Take a stroll along the river and decide which of these four is your favorite.

Inside Tip: The main square on ‘T Zand has a modern red building which holds the Tourist Information center. They are very nice, speak English, and sell a 3-museum pass, which will likely save you Euros even if you only plan on visiting 2 museums. Plus, they throw in a drink and a one-day bike rental! Essentially, the best deal in town.

Photo of Bruges canals and Belfry, Belgium originally posted by Wolfgang Staudt

House of Terror, Diamond Skull & Anatomical Waxes

Marion — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:45:06 +0000

Amsterdam Museum Exibition

If you’re planning a weekend break in Amsterdam, Netherlands in November, visit the Rijksmuseum to see Damien Hirst’s latest artwork: a 18th century human skull covered with diamonds.

Bologna Museum of Anatomical Waxes

For those of you curious to see more human skulls, Boingboing posted a photo from a series of shots taken at the Museo delle Cere Anatomiche in Bologna, Italy.

History Museum in Budapest

If you’re traveling to Budapest, Hungary, read The Herald Tribune to get information on the House of Terror Museum. Housed in a former headquarters of the Hungarian Communist Secret Police, this Budapest museum is dedicated to remembering crimes committed by both the Nazi and Communist regimes.

France Hotels for Foodies

About.com tells you everything about French independent hotel chain Logis de France. Including small hotel-restaurants like the Domaine de Roquerousse in Provence or the Auberge De Launay in the Loire Valley, these 3200 holiday accommodations offer guests a fine dining experience.

Beer Pilgrimage in Belgium

If you are a beer lover planning a trip to Belgium, on cnn.com read an article on Bruges in which the Flemish city is described as a paradise for Belgian beer fans.