Grote Market

This triangular, pedestrianised area is surrounded by some wonderful renaissance-style buildings. It is seen as both the social hub of the old city and the main centre of Antwerp itself. Two sides are dominated by the facades of some very tall guildhalls, most of which were built in the 19th century. These buildings were once the headquarters for Belgium's guilds; organizations that represented tradesmen and mainly protected the interests of commercial organizations. The most significant building on Grote Markt is the city hall, or Stadhuis, a building that takes up most of the western side of the square. Built in 1565, the building has a Flemish,Italian appearance and includes a line of statues along the roof. Near the entranceway you can see the Bag Bearer - a bronze sculpture by Constantin Meunier - created as a tribute to Antwerp's dock workers. Next door is the Etnografisch or Ethnographic Museum. This holds a wide collection of artefacts from around the world. At the centre of the old marketplace is the baroque Brabo Fountain, a large pond with an 1887 sculpture that tells the story of how Antwerp got its name. The story goes that a giant lived in the river and demanded a toll from anyone who tried to pass; threatening them with chopping off their hand if they didn't pay. Eventually a Roman warrior confronted the giant, chopped off his hand and threw it in the sea. So, hand throwing, or hand werpen became the name Antwerp. Global Hotels operate over 150 travel sites for all major worldwide locations. Some sample sites that they operate in the Belgiumn market place include:Hotels in Brugge and Hotels in Brussels. Global Hotels are an Irish based company with an in-dept knowledge of the Belgiumn tourism product. Copyright @ Global Travel Solutions [ Antwerp hotels in Antwerp] - [Site Map] - [ Secure Server ] - [ Privacy Policy ] - [ Disclaimer ]