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cities
Antwerp
Europe’s diamond of cities is home
to contrasting culture. Let yourself be
amazed by the vivid art and lifestyle
scene.
by Lisa West
Time well spent in
Antwerp.
© Jill Bannse
Antwerp’s bubbling and diverse
culture attracts thousands of
diiferent people every year
E
urope’s diamond of cit
ies is home to contrast
ing culture. Let yourself
be amazed by the vivid art and
lifestyle scene.
Belgium’s second city and big
gest port is Antwerp (Antwer
pen/Anvers in Dutch/French) and
without a doubt, this charming
city is the coun try’s capital of cool.
It’s long been a powerful magnet
for everyone from fashion moguls
and club queens to art lovers and
diamond dealers. In the mid-16th
century it was one of Europe’s
most important cities and home to
baroque superstar painter Pieter
Paul Rubens, as you’ll be regularly
reminded – there are numerous
places to admire his works across
the city.
Despite many historical travails
thereafter and severe WWII
bombing, Antwerp retains an
intriguing medieval heart with
plenty of café-filled cobbled lanes,
a riverside fortress and a truly
impressive cathedral.
Today Antwerp’s top draw
cards are its truly vibrant fash
ion and entertainment scene, along
with its startling architectural and
cultural contrasts. It’s long been
a powerful magnet for everyone
from fashion moguls and club
queens to art lovers and diamond
dealers. In the mid-16th century
it was one of Europe’s most
important cities.
20 | January 2017 | TravelerToGo