Antwerp

Antwerp is a very Dutch city; at least that is how it appears to me.  The architecture in Flanders is very different from Wallonia and certainly the Dutch and even German influence is present here.  Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders, a very important port for the country, and is the diamond capital of Europe and many people walk around town with briefcases handcuffed to their wrists, just like in the movies!!!

Antwerp is also home to the Pieter Paul Rubens house and museum - Rubenshuis - as this is where the artist lived and worked for the last 29 years of his life (1611-40).  Rubens was a classical painter, famous for painting religious tableaux.  The house was very interesting to visit.

 

As we made our way towards the square, we passed by a lace museum/store.  Flanders is famous for its lace making and exports much of it worldwide.  We bought a couple of small souvenirs.

There is a very interesting legend in Antwerp which is represented in two key statues.  According to folklore, the city got its name from a giant called Antigoon who lived near the river Scheldt. He demanded that people pay a toll to cross the river, and if you didn't he would cut off your hand and throw it into the river.  One day, the giant was killed by a young man named Brabo who successfully fought the dragon and cut off one of his hands and threw it in the river. The name Antwerpen then comes from Dutch hand werpen and wearpan (= to throw).  The main square has a statue of Brabo with the giant's hand. On one of the downtown streets, there is a stone sculpture of a hand:  you can also buy hand-shaped cookies, chocolates and other souvenirs.

 

We finished the day having steak tartare for dinner:  a real delicacy that you season and spice yourself at the table.