Antwerpen B&B Hotels

Grote Markt. Grote Markt is a three-cornered square, which is considered the centre of Antwerp. When the weather is good, terraces of cafes located at the square are always full of visitors. Grote Markt is surrounded by The Cathedral of Our Lady and the City Hall. The City Hall, which was built in 1561-1564, features the Renascence style with evident Flemish and Italian traces. The top part of the front side of the City Hall is built in the pure Flemish style, while niches and pilasters are the result of the Italian influence. Special attention should be devoted to the interior of the City Hall. Inside tourists will be truly delighted with the look of fabulous halls and huge frescos. Some halls are devoted to a particular theme. For instance, in the Hall of Weddings all walls are decorated with paintings dedicated to wedding ceremonies of different times.

The Guilds houses. Don’t forget to visit the Guilds houses that are located in the northern side of the square. Unfortunately, these houses are not the original buildings. Most of the houses were burnt down in 1576, and later they were reconstructed. The biggest house is called the Spanish House (Pand van Spanje). You will find it at St. Joris Street 7. The façade of the building depicts a dragon and St. Joris, who manages to escape nearly inevitable death and kill the dangerous creature. The skilful artwork of the façade creates an illusion that the dragon may fall down at any moment.
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