ANTWERP : introducing

Antwerp, daughter of the River Scheldt and second largest city of Belgium.. The 500.000 inhabitants call it the 'Metropolis' (Antwerpians are known in Belgium for not being too modest). This city has so many different facets that it takes a while before one gets to know it thoroughly.

It is the second largest harbor of Europe (after Rotterdam). Moreover, Antwerp is a splendid city with numerous architectural highlights, most of which date from the 16th (the golden era of Antwerp) and the 17th century. The destructions of the Second World War, unfortunately, has scarred somehow the fair face of the old town. Still there are enough monuments left for those who like monument-hopping to spend a few days admiring them. The past is also represented by the numerous paintings of Peter Paul Rubens who lived in the Antwerp of the early 17th century.

The Sinjoren of Antwerp.

'Sinjoren' is the name that is sometimes used for the Antwerpians. It is not a nickname. Antwerpians are proud to be called 'Sinjoren'. The word is clearly derived from the Spanish word 'Senor', and refers to the leading Spanish noble-men who ruled the city during the 17th century. Not everyone may call himself  'Sinjoor'. You must have been born in the medieval center of Antwerp, and also your father and grand-father must have been born there.

Antwerp, the diamond center of the World. If diamonds really are a girl's best friend, than a lot of ladies will not leave out a visit to the diamond district around the Railway Station. This area is also the Jewish part of the city. The presence of many 'Chassidic' Jewish people gives the city a flair that cannot be found in other Belgian cities.

Antwerp, however, does not only live from the past. Nowadays, Antwerp has earned a place among the fashion cities of the world thanks to the efforts of numerous young Flemish fashion designers ( e.g.: Walter Van Beirendonck, Nadine Wynants, Ann De Meulemeester, Dirk Bikkembergs, Kaat Tilley and others). Visit the fashion area of Antwerp near the Meir shopping street.

The 'Bolleke'.

This is somewhat the unofficial symbol of Antwerp.'Bolleke' is the name given to the De Koninck Beer, the most typical and popular alcoholic drink of the city. The name means 'little ball' and refers to the glass from which the delightful reddish beer is drunk.

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