Antwerp City Hall — Attraction in Antwerp

Antwerpen City Hall, also known as Antwerp Town Hall or Stadhuis van Antwerpen, is a remarkable architectural gem and a symbol of civic pride in Antwerp, Belgium. This historic building stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and serves as the seat of local government.

The City Hall's architecture is a stunning blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The exterior facade is adorned with intricate stone carvings, ornate sculptures, and beautifully crafted details that reflect the wealth and artistic prowess of Antwerp during the Renaissance period. The tall spires and imposing bell tower add to the grandeur of the building, making it an unmistakable landmark in the city's skyline.

Inside, the City Hall continues to impress with its opulent interiors. The magnificent reception hall, known as the Wedding Chapel, is a highlight, featuring breathtaking frescoes, elaborate ceiling paintings, and gilded decorations. The various rooms and chambers within the building are adorned with historical artifacts, antique furniture, and portraits, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Antwerp and its governance.

Visitors to Antwerpen City Hall can explore parts of the building through guided tours or public exhibitions, providing an opportunity to learn about the city's past and witness the architectural splendor up close. The guided tours offer insights into the significance of the building and the role it has played in shaping the city's identity over the centuries.

The location of Antwerpen City Hall in the historic heart of Antwerp adds to its allure. It stands as a focal point within the Grote Markt (Great Market Square), surrounded by other architectural gems and bustling with activity. The square itself is a vibrant hub, hosting markets, events, and festivals throughout the year, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Antwerpen City Hall is a testament to the city's rich history, artistic legacy, and civic pride. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and central location make it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Antwerp. Take the time to admire its intricate details, absorb its historical significance, and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating this magnificent...

I am sure your tourist guide has an elaborate article dedicated to Antwerp City Hall, a beautiful Renaissance building, which happens to be UNESCO Heritage.

Locals call this edifice “‘t schoon verdiep.” In doing so, they refer to the beautiful first floor where the mayor of Antwerp resides.

The statue in front of City Hall honours Salvus Brabo a brave Roman warrior with Roman roots.This combatant slew the giant who taxed all the ships seeking to enter the harbour, 50 percent of their stock. After a rigorous battle, he cut off the hand from the giant Antigoon and threw it into the river. Given the fact that the behemoth had done the same with the hands of revolting sailors, this repercussion was well-suited.

This legend explains how Antwerp got its name. The two Dutch words “hand” and “werpen”, which mean hand and throwing, were concatenated into “Antwerpen.” Either way, with no giants around, except for the local basketball team, our mayor is at ease.

City Hall isn't always open to the public. But sometimes a guided tour is a available. That said you can enjoy wandering around the square in front of this stupendous stucture and enjoy the view. Try to spot some chopped off hands as well while...

Stadhuis (Town Hall) is an inscribed UNESCO World Heritage attraction situated at Grote Markt in Antwerp. There is presently a 450 year anniversary exhibition until the end of March 2017 for those interested in entering Stadhuis and learning about its history.

Note the irregular opening Hours M,W (12-5pm), ST (1-5pm) and SN (12-5pm) if you are trying to schedule a visit as part of your Antwerp sightseeing.

You can also enjoy the ornate facade of the Stadhuid which was designed by Cornelis Floris de Vriendt in an architectural manner that blends Flemish and Italian renaissance styles. Its decorative, regal and very beautiful here at the Grote Markt, amongst the many guidhalls and traditional step-gabbled buildings.

Note: You can take nice pictures of Stadhuis from in front of the Barbo Fountain, capturing both in your camera lens. This is a nice image of this attraction and...