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Europe Belgium Antwerp Do & See Grote Markt & Brabo Fountain

Overview

Grote Markt & Brabo Fountain

The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

At Grote Markt, the Brabo Fountain stands as a striking centrepiece amidst the historic architecture of Antwerp's central square. This celebrated monument is based on the legendary tale of Brabo, a local folk hero who defied the giant Antigoon, probably inspiring the city's name by throwing the giant's hand ("werpen" the "hant" in Middle Dutch) into the Schelde River.

Useful Information

Address: Brabofontein op de Grote Markt, Antwerp
Website: visit.antwerpen.be/en/grote-markten

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Central Station

Central Station

Antwerp's Central Station is a magnificent architectural feat with its steel canopy over the platforms. Architecturally inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, the station was inaugurated in 1905. In 2007, the station was expanded, and a tunnel was added. The large station hall is frequently used for all kinds of events. Centraal Station has been voted one of the most beautiful stations in the world on numerous occasions.

MAS — Museum aan de Stroom

MAS — Museum aan de Stroom

If you visit one museum in Antwerp make it MAS. The 60-metre high museum tower has become a new focal point in Antwerp. Here, the city and the port meet in every sense of the word. On the roof of MAS you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Antwerp.

Het Steen

Het Steen

Het Steen is Antwerp's medieval fortress and its oldest building. Today, it houses a Visitor Center, a cruise terminal, and The Antwerp Story exhibition. This historic site offers a deep dive into the city's heritage, complemented by stunning views from its terrace and a sleek, modern interior. Take the opportunity to snap a photo with Druon Antigoon, the mythical giant who lived in Antwerp. His statue towers over the passers by next to Het Steen.

Cathedral of Our Lady

Cathedral of Our Lady

After 169 years of construction, the cathedral of Antwerp finally dominated Antwerp’s skyline in 1521 with a height of 123 metres. It was and still is the biggest Gothic building of the Benelux. The Cathedral is a huge treasury of works of art. Eye-catchers include two masterpieces by Rubens: The Raising of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross.

Nello & Patrasche Statue

Nello & Patrasche Statue

In front of the Cathedral, the touching statue by Batist Vermeulen commemorates Nello and Patrasche, characters from the 1872 novel "A Dog of Flanders". Set in Antwerp, this tale of enduring friendship between a boy and his dog, culminating in their tragic end at the cathedral, resonates globally, especially in Japan. The statue captures their final, poignant moments together, symbolising unconditional loyalty.

Grote Markt & Brabo Fountain

Grote Markt & Brabo Fountain

At Grote Markt, the Brabo Fountain stands as a striking centrepiece amidst the historic architecture of Antwerp's central square. This celebrated monument is based on the legendary tale of Brabo, a local folk hero who defied the giant Antigoon, probably inspiring the city's name by throwing the giant's hand ("werpen" the "hant" in Middle Dutch) into the Schelde River.

St Anna's Tunnel

St Anna's Tunnel

St Anna's Tunnel, a historical marvel beneath the Scheldt River, offers a passage from Antwerp's core to Linkeroever (the left bank). Its rare wooden escalators, a novelty since the 1930s, guide cyclists and pedestrians through the tiled tunnel, making it a favourite for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts.

Zurenborg

Zurenborg

Zurenborg, a quiet neighbourhood known for its whimsical architecture, is packed with impressive art nouveau villas. Start your journey at Cogels-Osylei, hailed as Antwerp's most splendid street. Don't miss Dageraadplaats and Draakplaats, both excellent for brunch or evening drinks. Put on your walking shoes and let your imagination soar among the urban palaces and verdant roundabouts.

Museum Mayer van den Bergh

Museum Mayer van den Bergh

In the late 1800s, a passionate collector Fritz Mayer van den Bergh amassed an amazing art collection. He purchased paintings by Peter Brueghel for a pittance, managed to beat major museums purchasing stunning medieval sculptures. Mayer van den Bergh had an eye for the best quality in almost every genre. After his death, his mother finally managed to make her son’s dream come true: she built a museum, which showcased his collection. Today, the museum stands largely uncharged: it is still a museum of one man... and his mother. Highly recommended in the Great smaller museums of Europe.

Red Star Line Museum

Red Star Line Museum

Between 1873 and 1934, the Red Star Line’s ocean steamers ferried about 2.6 million adventurers and fortune seekers from Antwerp to New York. For many people, their passage started in the Red Star Line buildings in Antwerp. This museum tells the story of these passengers. The old buildings render their feelings, emotions and experiences tangible and visible. This new Antwerp museum also examines the issue of migration today.

MoMu — Fashion Museum

MoMu — Fashion Museum

Right in the heart of the Antwerp fashion district is the ModeMuseum, also known as MoMu. Whilst the museum manages a collection of more than 25,000 objects (including garments and shoes) that are not accessible to the public, it does organize alternating exhibitions on specific themes: designer, fashion house or any other fashion-related topic.

Museum Plantin-Moretus

Museum Plantin-Moretus

The Plantin-Moretus museum gives an overview of book printing from the 15th until the 18th century and owns the worlds oldest printing press from around 1600. The stately town house also boasts period rooms, decorated with tapestries, gilt leather and paintings, including a Rubens, sculptures, earthenware and porcelain. The Museum Plantin-Moretus/Print Cabinet received the ultimate recognition in 2005 and was named as a UNESCO world heritage and is the only museum worldwide to have been given this honour.

M HKA — Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp

M HKA — Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp

The Museum of Contemporary art or M HKA is located in the bustling Zuid district, among the galleries and the lively cafés. Explore a fascinating collection of modern art in the old, converted corn silo.

Saint Paul’s Church

Saint Paul’s Church

Near the river Scheldt, you find Saint Paul’s Church, the former Dominican church completed in 1639. Masterpieces by the likes of Jordaens, Rubens, Van Balen and Van Dyck emphasise the church’s unique appeal.

Antwerp Zoo

Antwerp Zoo

The Antwerp Zoo was founded in 1843, which makes it one of the oldest zoos worldwide and the oldest in Belgium. About 5,000 animals from 950 species call this zoo their home. They live in monumental buildings and an impressive, meticulously maintained garden. A visit to the Zoo is a chunk of pure relaxation in the middle of the city.

FOMU — Fotomuseum

FOMU — Fotomuseum

FOMU, Antwerp's photography museum, offers a deep dive into the world of photography, spanning its inception to contemporary works. With a vast collection of images, books, and equipment, the museum features thoughtfully curated exhibits showcasing both Belgian and international photographers. FOMU also hosts engaging tours, lectures and workshops.

KMSKA — Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

KMSKA — Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

Explore seven centuries of art at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. Home to masterpieces from Flemish Primitives to Expressionists, it boasts extensive collections of James Ensor and Rik Wouters. This newly renovated museum displays works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Van Eyck, alongside mode modern artists like Magritte and Modigliani. A fusion of tradition and innovation, it's a must-visit for art lovers.

Maagdenhuis Museum

Maagdenhuis Museum

In this historic 16th-century building you can take a closer look at the phenomenal collection of the OCMW (public social welfare centre). The house used to be a girl’s orphanage, hence its name and a lot of the items in the collection refer to this period.

Middelheimmuseum

Middelheimmuseum

Middelheimmuseum is a unique place in Antwerp. This stunning park features an impressive art collection and temporary exhibitions. Some of the leading artists whose sculptures are on display in Middelheim Museum include: Auguste Rodin, Rik Wouters, Ai Weiwei and Erwin Wurm. The completely renovated castle — with a reception, café and museum shop — is the open-air museum’s beating heart. There’s always something new to discover!

Museum Vleeshuis

Museum Vleeshuis

Vleeshuis (Butcher’s Hall) tells the story of 600 years of sound and music in Antwerp. Find out more about the history of street musicians, trumpet players and carillonneurs. The museum also explores the history of musical notation and instrument making.

Snijders&Rockoxhuis

Snijders&Rockoxhuis

This museum is a combination of two historic homes: the home of the 17th century artist Frans Snyders and his neighbour, mayor Nicolaas Rockox. The permanent exhibition brings together masterpieces from Jan Fyt, Cornelis Massijs, Peter Paul Rubens, Jan Sanders van Hemessen, Hans III Jordaens, Jacob Jordaens, Maerten de Vos, David Teniers, Quentin Matsys, Joachim Patinir, Frans Snyders himself, Lucas Faydherbe, Paulus Pontius and Lambert Lombard. In the other rooms, you can admire art cabinets, sculptures, tapestries and ceramics.

Saint Andrew's Church

Saint Andrew's Church

In the early 16th century, the Augustinian Friars built St Andrew’s Church in the popular St Andrew’s neighbourhood. Inside, you can see stunning Baroque altars and works of art from the 17th century.

Antwerp Diamond Bus

Antwerp Diamond Bus

Hop on the Antwerp Diamond double-decker bus and visit Antwerp’s best-known hotspots. It’s a first timers’ ideal introduction to the city. Daily departures from April until November, the other months only in the weekend.

Plopsa Station Antwerp

Plopsa Station Antwerp

Plopsa Station Antwerp is the newest alteration of the indoor park at Antwerp's Central Station. Plopsa offers a variety of fun rides based on cartoon characters: The Bumbamoles, The Flying Bicycles, Jommeke Carrousel, K3 Disco Cars, Maya's playground, Storm at Sea, Wickie's fall tower and Wickie's ball pool, the Suske & Wiske Raging Race. It's a perfect family activity on a rainy day.

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