Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Other sightseeing musts are the Cathedral of Our Lady (largest Gothic church
in Belgium), containing four Rubens masterpieces; the GroteMarkt (marketplace);
and the Open Market (known locally as the Birds Market). The Birds Market is
open on Sunday morning, when miscellaneous wares are sold. All these city high-
lights will be on the map you receive at the city tourist office, and all are within
reasonable walking distance.
The Flemish term De Rubenswandeling means The Rubens Walk. It's all laid
out for you in a colorful brochure, its map detailing 11 points of interest associated
with Rubens. For variety, there is a Stadswandeling/Rondwandeling —city round-
trip walking tour—prepared in a similar format. Both are available at the tourist of-
fice.
According to legend, the site of Antwerp was once inhabited by a giant who ex-
tracted tribute from all who navigated the river and he cut off a hand of those who
refused to pay. He was slain by a Roman soldier, who cut off the giant's hand and
threw it into the river. Thus, the city's name: Ant (hand) and werpen (from the verb
“to throw”). In support of the legend, the city fathers erected a statue of the Roman
soldier, Silvius Brabo, in front of the city hall. Those not subscribing to the legend
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