ANTWERP

   THE CATHEDRAL FROM THE RIVER

INTRODUCTION

The second largest city in Belgium is Antwerp (Antwerpen Flemish, Anverd French) it is situated on the river Scheldt (I'Escaut fr). The location was ideal for a port it being used by the Romans, the port developed down the ages and today it is Europe's second largest and is situated to the north of the city. Many famous artists have been associated with the city including Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck, many of their works of art still hang in the many city churches including the Cathedral of our Lady, St Paul's Church, St Jacobs and St Carolus. Diamonds played a big part in Antwerp's prosperity it being a leading city for the trade, the area is small with many narrow bustling streets situated near to Central Station. The city has many fine buildings, if you arrive by train the first building you encounter is Central Station with high soaring roof and highly decorated stonework, it looks more like a Cathedral. The real Cathedral (the largest in Belgium) is a fine building, there are also many other churches, monuments and squares in the city. On the Groenplaats square is a statue of Rubens and nearby on the Groenten Markt is the Town Hall constructed between 1561-64.

AT THE TOP OF THE MEIR

Note the imposing buildings at the start of the Meir, the start of the main shopping area, most of the major Belgian stores can be found here, (it would not be complete without Mc Donalds)