5. Antwerp: The Cultural Capital of Flanders
The port city of Antwerp has many cultural and historic sites to explore; it’s known both for its industry and artistic influences. The majority of the city’s most significant buildings are on and around the Grand Place (Grote Market) in the center of the old town. In this area, tourists will find the 16th-century Town Hall (Stadthuys), the Butcher’s Hall (Velshis), and Rubens’ House (Rubenshuis).
Among the city’s historic churches is the late Gothic St. Paul’s Church (Sint-Pauluskerk), which is home to paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, and Jordan’s, and the country’s largest Gothic cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady, which was begun in 1352.
Those arriving by train into the impressive Central Station (Middenstatie) will find a treat waiting for them next door at Chocolate Nation, the world’s largest Belgian chocolate museum. This is a big hit with families, conveniently adjacent to the Antwerp Zoo. The zoo, which was founded in 1843, is known not only for its population of over 950 species but also for its beautiful Art Deco architecture and stylized animal habitats.
Antwerp is also known for its excellent museums, which explore a variety of topics. History lovers will enjoy the Red Star Line Museum, which focuses on emigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the Museum an de Stroom (MAS), which includes exhibits about local history, as well as artifacts from around the world. The Museum Mayer van den Bergh is an excellent fine arts museum, as is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.
6. Canals, Castles, and Cathedrals of Ghent
Tourists who want to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of a medieval town without the crowds of Bruges will want to visit Ghent, a rival in architectural and historical significance.
The majority of Ghent’s historic guild houses can be found along the Grisel Canal and the Korenlei Canal, including the Koornstapelhuis, which dates from the early 13th century; the Gildehuizeb der Metselaars (House of the Masons) built in 1527; and the Tolhuisje (Customs House), which was built in 1682. Those lucky enough to visit in the evening should make time for a canal boat cruise to appreciate the sight of these lovely buildings lit from below.
In the heart of Ghent’s Old Town, the impressive Gravestone is moated by diverted waters of the Live River. This massive medieval fortress was constructed in the late 12th century and has all the grandeur and classic elements of a fairy-tale castle.
Today, it is home to a museum that features artifacts from the building’s varied uses, from a royal residence to a textile factory. Tourists can also visit the beautiful Larne Castle, located just 11 kilometers from Ghent. This pentagonal fortress was built in the 11th century and also houses historic exhibits.
Among Ghent’s most lovely churches is the impressive Saint Michael’s Church, constructed in the Gothic style of Belgian sandstone. Adjacent to the church is Sint-Michielsbrug (Saint Michael’s Bridge), and together they are one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
Another excellent example of Gothic architectural styles is the Cathedral of St. Bravo (Sint-Baafskathedraal), with a choir dating back to the 13th century and a tower constructed in the 15th century.