Antwerp, a port city in northern Belgium, is a beautiful city that has flourished as a center of trade and art since the Middle Ages. It’s well-known to Japanese audiences as the setting for ‘A Dog of Flanders’ and a city deeply associated with the master painter Rubens. However, when you actually visit, you’ll be surprised by its vibrant mix of medieval historic buildings and innovative modern architecture.
This article introduces ‘5 carefully selected tourist attractions’ that allow you to savor the essence of Antwerp’s charm even with limited time. We’ll delve not only into textbook history but also provide insights into how locals truly spend their time and share deep, useful travel information!
Cathedral of Our Lady
📍 Address: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
The ‘Cathedral of Our Lady’, a symbol of Antwerp, is Belgium’s largest Gothic-style church, built over approximately 170 years starting in 1352. The moment you step inside, you’ll be overwhelmed by the high ceilings and the light streaming through the beautiful stained glass. For Japanese people, this place is famously known as where Nello and Patrasche were taken to heaven in the anime ‘A Dog of Flanders’.
The biggest highlight is the altarpieces by the Baroque master Rubens, whom Nello yearned to see. Masterpieces such as ‘The Elevation of the Cross’, ‘The Descent from the Cross’, and ‘The Assumption of the Virgin Mary’ can be admired right before your eyes. The atmosphere inside the cathedral is quiet and solemn, like a museum, and many people are moved to tears by the power of art and the weight of history. Entry may be restricted during mass, so it’s recommended to check the opening hours before visiting. Photography without flash is permitted.
Nello & Patrasche Statue
📍 Address: Handschoenmarkt 3/Het 17de-18de Eeuwse Salon, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
In the square directly in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady, you’ll find a statue of Nello and Patrasche. Depicting the two nestled together as if sleeping under a cobblestone blanket, its design perfectly captures the poignant sadness of the story. A must-see spot that is sure to stir your emotions if you visit right after admiring the masterpieces in the cathedral.
However, here’s a bit of local ‘reality’. ‘A Dog of Flanders’ is a story written by a British author and, while a massive hit in Japan, is surprisingly not as widely known in its local setting, Belgium. Therefore, it’s common to witness a contrasting scene: local children innocently climbing and playing on the statue next to Japanese tourists quietly reflecting on the story. Instead of overly sanctifying it, the local way is to enjoy it casually as a piece of art integrated into the everyday life of the locals.
Brabo Fountain
📍 Address: Grote Markt, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
At the center of ‘Grote Markt’ (Market Square), where the beautiful City Hall stands, is the ‘Brabo Fountain’, an icon of the city. This fountain conceals a deep legend that is also said to be the origin of Antwerp’s name. It tells of the giant Antigoon, who once extorted tolls from sailors on the Scheldt River and cut off the hands of those who couldn’t pay. The sculpture captures the dynamic moment when the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo, who put an end to the giant’s evil deeds, cuts off the giant’s hand and throws it into the river.
This legend is central to the city’s identity, so much so that the name ‘Antwerpen’ (Antwerp) is said to be derived from ‘hand’ (ant) and ‘to throw’ (werpen) in Dutch. Knowing this story will help you understand the meaning behind the ‘hand-shaped’ cookies (Antwerpse Handjes) often seen in bakeries and souvenir shops. While being mindful of water splashes on windy days, enjoy souvenir shopping with the lingering atmosphere of this legend.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
📍 Address: Vrijdagmarkt 22, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
While it might sound unassuming at first glance, this is a highly unique and valuable museum, being the first facility related to printing to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the former site of a printing workshop that operated from the 16th century, and the world’s oldest printing presses remain preserved in their original state. Here, you can truly experience the history of Antwerp as a leading city in printing and publishing in medieval Europe, on par with Paris and Venice.
Beyond just an exhibition of machinery, it also served as the luxurious residence of a family who amassed a fortune through printing. The interior, with its leather-covered walls, beautiful tapestries, and portraits painted by Rubens, is breathtaking, conveying the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy merchants of that era. If your timing is right, you might even see a live demonstration of letterpress printing and sometimes receive an original print. Take your time to step back into the Middle Ages in this tranquil setting.
MAS
📍 Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
MAS (Museum aan de Stroom – Museum by the Stream) is a new landmark born from the redevelopment of Antwerp’s old port district. The innovative design of the building, resembling red-brown containers stacked alternately, reaches a height of approximately 60 meters. Inside, a wide range of exhibits are displayed, covering Antwerp’s history as a port city involved in global culture and trade, as well as ethnic art from various countries and philosophical themes like life and death.
The biggest draw and a kind of ‘insider tip’ for travelers is the free-access rooftop terrace. The journey up the winding, wave-like glass escalators is enjoyable in itself, and from the top floor, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Antwerp’s historic cityscape and the Scheldt River. The view from dusk to night is particularly romantic and an excellent spot for photography. Even if you don’t have time to explore the exhibits in depth, it’s well worth a visit just to experience the view from the rooftop.
A Traveler’s Trap! The Current State of Rubens’ House and Alternatives
Rubens’ House, a spot featured in many guidebooks as a must-visit in Antwerp, is actually undergoing extensive renovation and will not allow visitors to see the interior or painting exhibitions until around 2030. While there is an immersive projection mapping program, it might feel a bit lacking for those who wish to deeply appreciate the paintings.
Therefore, we recommend the ‘Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA)’, also located in Antwerp. This museum has recently reopened after many years of renovation, showcasing Rubens’ immense masterpieces, as well as paintings from the Antwerp School to contemporary art, on an impressive scale. The building itself is also very gorgeous, with an innovative use of space that blends old and new art. If you want to delve deep into art in Antwerp, be sure to visit the Royal Museum.
