Even Antwerp’s train station is gorgeous!  When you arrive, you’re greeted with this impressive welcome mat.

The Brabo Fountain in Antwerp’s Grote Markt is a great place to cool your feet on a hot day.  What’s up with the statue of a guy dancing around holding a large, human hand?  Well, more than two thousand years ago legend has it a giant of Russian decent built a castle along the river and exacted a toll for sailors passing through.  If they were unable (or unwilling) to pay, he would cut off their hand and throw it in the river.  Finally, a brave sailor (the mythical hero, Brabo) challenged him to a dual and won, having cut off the giant’s head & hand  before throwing them in the river.  And that’s where Antwerp gets its name- “handwerpen” in Flemish (meaning to throw a hand.)

The oldest building in Antwerp is the Het Steen castle.  In front, there is a statue of Lange Wapper (the mythical giant mentioned above who terrorized locals and sailors alike.)

The cobblestone streets of the Grote Markt.

A statue of Jesus inside the Het Steen castle.

Walking the city square of Antwerp towards the Cathedral of Our Lady. Begun in 1352, the cathedral is one of the greatest examples of gothic architecture in Europe.

Uniquely adorable, this storefront is probably one of the happiest buildings I’ve run across in my travels.  Particularly due to the flowers (because let’s be honest, daisies are one of the friendliest blooms!)

The Grote Markt in Antwerp.  Especially recognizable are the Guilds houses that line the square.  However, you may not know that these buildings are fairly new.  Unfortunately, the original houses were destroyed during a fire in 1576.  After, the new houses that stand today were built in the Renaissance style (and were then revised again in the 19th century.)

Inside the Het Steen castle is the oldest half-hour hourglass in the world!  The glass itself was massive!  In case you ever need to keep track of how long an episode of Modern Family is… with the largest time piece ever…

The Grote Markt is the cherry on top of a beauitful day in Antwerp.  Between City Hall, the Guilds houses, Cathedral of Our Lady, the Brabo Fountain, and the frites, it’s a must see!