We are back in Antwerp city of diamonds. We loved the old buildings and rich history of this city. In the twelfth century it was the leading world power and head of the Hansiatic league. The riches can still be seen today.
We walked up from our mooring. Spring has arrived and the heavily pruned trees are about to burst into leaf and flower.
The trees and buildings are an interesting contrast. See the detail of the building in the next photo.
We walked up to the old castle. It is called the Steen ( or stone ) as it is the first stone building in the city. Built in the 9th century it is the oldest. Sitting on the Scheldt River it is all that remains of the early fortifications.
At the front of the castle stands a giant called Long Pete who protected the city..sort of!
This is not a church but the butchers guild hall. They were very rich and powerful and enjoyed a trade monopoly.
The main square has the Cathedral, the town hall (pictured) and many guild houses. It had structural work underway as they prepared for the Tour de Flanders. Still it was stunning. Will picture some of the details.
The Flemish name for Antwerp is translated as Throwing the hand. It is a long tale of giants and brave soldiers and hands and heads being cut off and more. This is the severed hand being thrown!
A row of guild houses in the main square. Details of symbols follow.
The Town Hall is the most impressive. A spectacular site.
Close ups from the front of the building.
The Cathedral is also considered a masterpiece. Its tower dominates the city and the interior is rich in art works by Rubens and others along with stained glass and much more.
Art works in the cathedral. You can check out the four Rubens!
We walked up from our mooring. Spring has arrived and the heavily pruned trees are about to burst into leaf and flower.
The trees and buildings are an interesting contrast. See the detail of the building in the next photo.
We walked up to the old castle. It is called the Steen ( or stone ) as it is the first stone building in the city. Built in the 9th century it is the oldest. Sitting on the Scheldt River it is all that remains of the early fortifications.
At the front of the castle stands a giant called Long Pete who protected the city..sort of!
This is not a church but the butchers guild hall. They were very rich and powerful and enjoyed a trade monopoly.
The main square has the Cathedral, the town hall (pictured) and many guild houses. It had structural work underway as they prepared for the Tour de Flanders. Still it was stunning. Will picture some of the details.
The Flemish name for Antwerp is translated as Throwing the hand. It is a long tale of giants and brave soldiers and hands and heads being cut off and more. This is the severed hand being thrown!
A row of guild houses in the main square. Details of symbols follow.
The Town Hall is the most impressive. A spectacular site.
Close ups from the front of the building.
The Cathedral is also considered a masterpiece. Its tower dominates the city and the interior is rich in art works by Rubens and others along with stained glass and much more.
Art works in the cathedral. You can check out the four Rubens!
Stained glass.
Masterpiece in timber!
Stained glass window.
and detail.
Checking out the other culture of Belgium.
2 comments:
Steen looks suitable majestic
Matt says he's very cultured, he's tried all those beers. Funny that.
Can you imagine gilding your guild hall like that here? It would disappear overnight!
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