Not as
big as the 'Grand'Place' of Brussels, but certainly as beautiful
is the 'Grote Markt' (Town Square) of Antwerp. Here is still the
heart of the old city. The Grote Markt is beautifully surrounded
by the Town Hall and the so-called houses of the Guilds or corporations.
In the background the tower of Our Lady's Cathedral completes the
magnificent view.
The houses
of the Guilds are unfortunately not the original ones. A large part
of the Grote Markt burned down in 1576. Most of the houses were
rebuilt afterwards by Hans Vredeman, the town architect, in Flemish
Renaissance style. In the 19th century the houses were again renovated.
The house number 7 is one of the most beautiful. It was the house
of the guild of Archers and is crowned by the statue of St. George.
The house number 25 , a reconstruction of a house that used to stand
at the 'Meir' is situated on the spot were an Inn used to stand.
This Inn was mentioned in the medieval play of 'Marieken van Nieumwhegen'.
Nowadays the Grote Markt is one of the most pleasant squares in
the city (certainly since traffic has been banned from it). During
beautiful warm summer days most people choose this spot to enjoy
a refreshing beer from one of the many terraces.
In the
middle of the 'Grote Markt' stands the Brabo fountain. The statue
was made by sculptor Jef Lambeaux in 1887. According to a legend,
a terrible giant, called Druoon Antigoon, lived on the banks of
the river Scheldt in ancient times. Whenever sailors on the Scheldt
river refused to pay toll to the giant, he punished them by cutting
off their hand. A Roman soldier, Silvius Brabo, managed to kill
the giant. Brabo cut off the hand of the giant and threw the hand
away in the river.
The town
square 'Grote Markt' is the most beautiful square of the city of
Antwerp as well as the historical heart of it. The most popular
square, however, is certainly the 'Groenplaats' (= Green Square).
The square used to be a parking lot. But recently, the parking has
been built underground, and the Groenplaats is rapidly finding back
its charm of old.
On warm
afternoons the square can be really packed with people (tourists
as wells as Antwerpians) who all enjoy a good beer (or something
else) on the numerous terraces.
The Groenplaats
is dominated by Our Lady's Cathedral. In medieval times the cemetery
of the cathedral was located here. Around the square are numerous
restaurants and cafés where many famous artists spent their
time. In the middle of the Groenplaats the statue of Rubens can
be seen. It was made in 1843 by sculptor Geefs. Very beautiful is
the facade of the 'Karbonkelhuis' at number 33. This former 'diamond
house' is an example of the Renaissance style. The name of the house
is derived from the diamond head decoration at the ground floor.
The right
side of the square is dominated by the late 19th century imposing
building of the Hilton Hotel. It used to be the 'Grand Bazar', one
of theng Belgian department stores.
Much
like in most other cities in Belgium, the contrast in architectural
styles is not absent at the Groenplaats. The Gothic tower of the
Cathedral finds a 20th century answer in the 'Boerentoren'. This
tower is the seat of the Kredietbank, one of the important Belgian
banks.
It was
built in 1930 in art deco style. It is 97 m high and is considered
by most as the first 'skyscraper' in Europe. The Antwerpians call
it the 'Boerentoren' (= farmers tower) because the farmers were
the most important clients of the Kredietbank in the first half
of the 20th century.
Holiday
property to rent and buy on the Costa Brava
COSTA
BRAVA AND BARCELONA
COSTA
BRAVA (Please scroll down for Barcelona city)
Torroella de Fluvia: Newly renovated18th century house sleeps
8 in 4 bedrooms in the quiet rural setting of a Spanish village.
An authentic setting for a holiday in Ampurdán yet only 5km
from the beaches. : - Available from 20 Dec. including Christmas
and New Year. Good availability including Easter.
golf courses near to
Ampurias / L'Escala: Torremirona, (near Figueres) Pals, and
Gerona. All are highly rated by experienced golfers and offer
day facilities. . Now taking bookings for 2007
Roses:2 bedroom bungalow villa to rent with pool. 2006:
No availability, Now taking bookings for 2007.
Bay of Roses:spectacular 3 bedroom villa to rent with
pool. 2006: - 21st-28th September, 16th December onwards
and taking bookings for 2007
Ampuriabrava / Empuriabrava:3 bedroom Holiday house
rental with boat mooring. Very unusual! 2007 Availability
remaining
Blanes: Villa CooperSelection of apartments and villas
near beach and golf courses
Sant Feliu de Guixols beautiful historic town house 4
bedrooms superbly located within 5 minutes walk to the beach
and to the town and easy access to Barcelona - one of the webmaster's
favouritesOne of the nicest places on the whole Costa
Blanca taking bookings for 2007
L'Escala:Selection of apartments and villas with pools
near beach and golf courses. Special rates can be obtained for
local golf facilities. Accommodation can be found for large
numbers of people who wish to travel together but who do not
want stay nearby rather than all under the same roof 1, 2
and 3 bedroom apartments, villa with pool
Apartment in BARCELONA with air conditioning and heating
ZONA ALTA Via Augusta, accomodates 6 Persons. Other apartments
are also available from here in the best areas of Barcelona.
taking bookings for 2007.
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