Castles, Chocolates, and De Cathedral: Highlights from Our Tour of Antwerp
On Friday morning, our Viking River Cruise brought us to Antwerp, Belgium’s vibrant port city, where cobblestone streets, grand squares, and centuries of history greet you at every turn. We arrived to find the city moving at a slower pace because this is a national holiday, which meant many shops were closed. Yet the quieter streets gave our walking tour a relaxed, unhurried charm, allowing us to notice details we might otherwise have missed.
Our guide, Garen, is a native Bosnian who has resided in Belgium for many years. At age 35, Garen was our youngest guide of the week. He was very knowledgeable about the local area and Belgian history. Interestingly, however, he holds a PHD in Applied Economics.
Our tour began at the Steen, also known as the Rock, a medieval fortress that once guarded the banks of the River Scheldt. Built in the 13th century and later used as a prison, the Steen is among the oldest surviving buildings in Antwerp. From its ramparts, we enjoyed sweeping views of the river that shaped the city’s destiny as one of Europe’s busiest ports.
From there we walked to the Vleeshuis, or Meat House, a striking Gothic building of red brick and white stone layers that resemble slices of bacon. In centuries past, this was the guild hall of the city’s butchers, but today it houses the Museum of Musical Instruments. Inside, visitors can explore a fascinating collection of instruments spanning 600 years of musical history, reminding us that Antwerp’s heritage is not only mercantile and artistic, but also deeply cultural.
Our steps then carried us into the Grote Markt, the city’s grand square. The Brabo Fountain, depicting the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo casting the hand of a defeated giant into the river, is the centerpiece of the square, surrounded by gilded guild houses that reflect Antwerp’s Golden Age of trade.
The highlight of the day was the Cathedral of Our Lady, Belgium’s largest Gothic church, whose spire dominates the skyline. Later in the afternoon, Amanda and I returned for a visit, where, inside, we saw several masterpieces by Antwerp’s own Peter Paul Rubens, their colors and drama still vibrant centuries later.
Although many shops were shuttered for the holiday, cafés remained open, serving fragrant coffee and warm waffles. The plaza was not crowded in the morning, and without the press of crowds, we had the luxury of lingering in quiet courtyards and along narrow lanes. There was a festival on the waterfront, and in the afternoon, crowds filled the streets, and the entire area took on the aura of a large fair.
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