City information
How wonderful that you have chosen to explore Antwerpen : one of the oldest cities in Belgium. I would like to take you on an unforgettable walk of several hours through this beautiful city full of history and charm. Walk with me through Antwerpen and discover interesting facts and the most beautiful places. During the tour I will tell you about the history and highlights. And of course I will show you the most beautiful places to take photos! Before we start, a quick overview of the history… The Normans built a new settlement on a piece of land that jutted out into the Scheldt. Around 1400 Antwerpen was a relatively small city, with less than 10,000 inhabitants, around 1560 the number of 100,000 was reached. Under Emperor Charles V, Antwerpen was the most important trading city in Europe north of the Alps. In 1576, Spanish troops plundered the city during the Spanish Fury, also known as the 'Sack of Antwerp'. The city was also set on fire. The citizens of the Scheldt city were understandably furious! In 1585, the Spanish governor Alexander Farnese conquered Antwerpen after a siege of more than a year. After that conquest, a flow of migration arose and about half of the population left for Middelburg and Holland. Antwerpen 's prosperity in trade, arts and sciences moved and developed further in the Northern Netherlands during the Golden Age. Our starting point is right in the center, at Antwerp Central Station - Pelikaanstraat exit, right opposite Albert Heijn.