Lodewyk van Bercken
by Nathalie_B
Antwerp is known as the diamonds capital of the world. But not always it had this title. In fact, the city of Brugge was the first to discover diamonds' polish technique. Lodewyk van Bercken, native of Brugge, came up with a unique idea polishing one diamond using another. Brugge was diamonds' center until the end of 14th century and from the beginning of the 16th century Antwerp is leading the industry. It did have to struggle in the middle of the 20th century but all in all it has no competitors.
Until nowadays van Bercken's diamonds' polish technique is in use and his statue can be found on one of the historic buildings along the Meir street
Walk through the little zoo
by Octourist
As I reviewed my photos from this leg of the hitchhiking trip, I could only find some from the zoo. So, with apologies to natives from Antwerp, this is all I can show from my visit (which was only a day and a night).
The zoo wasn't particularly grand. It was just right-sized for an hour or two stroll around. This first photo shows a black bear, sitting in his pen with his tongue out. That's all he did while we looked at him. Wacko.
GROTE MARKT ( BIG MARKET SQUARE )
by LoriPori
Certainly, the most photographed and visited tourist spot in Antwerp is the GROTE MARKT also known as the Big Market Square.
The Market Square is a bustling hubub of acitivity with many bars and restaurants and in the middle stands the Fountain with the Statue of the legendary Brabo.
The triangle-shaped Square is surrounded by the beautiful Guild Houses, dating from the 16th and 17th century, lining one side and the Stadhuis and bars & restaurants lining the other two sides. The Grote Markt was very busy on the day we visited, despite the rainfall. There was some type of celebrations going on as there were festival tents set up everywhere. Though the weather was disappointing, I really enjoyed seeing this marvelous Market Square.
Typical gangway
by cadzand
At Nr 16 of the Oude Koornmarkt is the entrance of the Vlaaikensgang.
You really should try this small “road.” Well, it isn’t really a road- it's more of a gangway. Here you’ll get a good impression of Antwerpen in the 16th century. On Monday evening the real connoisseurs come here to listen to the carillon concerts.
You also find here some good restaurants.
On the other corner of the...
by Ronald_T
On the other corner of the former house you saw before, there is another magnificent building as you can see. The Meir is full of old and gracious buildings as long you looking above. Most of the time, the ground floor is a modern shop, and not related by its traditional outlook. This because the Meir is a popular pedestrian shopping street, that links the old city with Central station.
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the savings card
Brasserie Hulsthout
Another view
Antwerp Tower
