Standing poignantly and blending in perfect harmony with its backdrop of mighty Gothic cathedrals and ornate churches is the Hollandse Synangoge. Boasting an ornate Moorish architecture, the synagogue is a must visit when in Antwerp.

The Hollandse Synagoge or the Dutch Synagogue, also known as the Synagogue Shomré Hadas, was the first large synagogue to be built in Antwerp. According to historical records, Antwerp had a thriving Jewish population ever since the early 13th century. Although not in a large numbers, the Jews played a vital role in the diamond trade of the region. During the 19th century, with increasing political and religious prosecution, Antwerp received many Jews from Holland and neighboring countries.

Built by the direct descendants of Jews that came from Holland, it is no surprise, why the synagogue was thus named. Although the Synagogue may be quite young in comparison to the other structures in the city, it has surely borne the scars of time. Being constantly targeted during the Second World War, the Synagogue suffered serious damage under the Nazi bombing. Despite all the damages, the Hollandse Synagoge stands proudly showing little or no scars at all. This is all thanks to city authorities and the local Jewish community.

Antwerp is truly the haven for those who love to spend hours admiring architecture, where one can not only browse through numerous stylized building reflecting distinct styles but also learn to become a clever critic. Another popular name among the architecturally rich neighborhood that adds character to the city’s skyline is the Five Continents. Just a stone throw away from the famous Main Synagogue in Bouwmeesterstraat, the Five Continents is an interesting complex consisting of four houses designed in the Art Nouveau style.
Built in 1901, the Five Continents are one of the best examples of the Art Nouveau designs. With the houses having the characteristic layered yellow brick, use of vibrant curved lines that is a typical trait of an Art Nouveau design and the elaborate detailing and decorations, Five Continents is a place you cannot afford to miss at all. When constructed, the Five Continents comprised of a complex of four houses, however, there are only three that stand today.
Although the architecture may attract many to the Five Continents, the most unique feature that is associated with this complex is the ship’s bow that protrudes out. This unique feature that went from being an eye sore, to one that is taken pride in was commissioned by P. Rouis, a ship builder.

Built around the 11th century by Waghemakere, Sint-Walburgiskerk is one of the oldest churches in Antwerp. A statue of Peter Paul Rubens once stood in front of the church, a replica of which was placed in Green City.

Located in the Zuid District of Antwerp is one of the most splendid buildings of the city, the Royal Museum of Fine Art. Home to a grand collection of some of the finest works of Flemish painters, if you love visiting Museum, this one should definitely make it to your list of places worth seeing in Antwerp. Home to the finest collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and other forms of art, from the Flemish Golden Era, the Museum exhibits artists like Boetius à Bolswert, Frans Floris, Jan Van Eyck, Peter Paul Rubens, Quentin Matsys, Erasmus Quellinus II, and Appelmans. Apart from the fact that the Royal Museum is homes some of the most valuable paintings of the region, the building itself is well worth the attention and time. Designed and built by Antwerp architects, Jacob Winders and Frans van Dijk, the Royal Museum was actually designed to replace a previous Museum that was razed by fire. Great efforts were made for the new museum to stand at par with the one that previously stood and it took a good six years till the city of Antwerp got its Royal Museum. Built with respect to the Neo- Classic style of Architecture, the Museum till date is considered one of the best looking buildings in the city.

The Waterpoort or the Water Gate, also known as the Walking Gate is an elegant 15th century arch that stands in the Gillisplaats square in the southern neighborhood of Antwerp. Designed by P.P. Rubens, the construction of the gate was commissioned by the Spanish in honor of King Phillip IV.
Originally known as the Porta Regia, the role of the Waterpoort changed constantly throughout history. From serving as a part of the city’s defense wall to standing as an elegant memento of the city’s glorious past, the structure has done it all. Ever since its inception, the Waterpoort has served as a part of the city wall and has given access to the river bank, which is also where it gets its name from.
With the redevelopment of the city’s quay in the 19th century, the location of the Waterpoort had to be shifted. It was moved towards the south facing the riverfront at the Sint-Jansvliet. However, this place was not destined for the gate and it had to be temporarily stored in the municipal depot for five years since it acted as an hindrance during the construction of the pedestrian tunnel under the Scheldt. The Waterpoort was finally installed in the Gillisplaats, where it stands even today.

From the era of celebrating Flemish Baroque painters to appreciating contemporary modern art in different media, one can witness the progression of art through the ages in Antwerp. And if you are an art fanatic, look no further, Antwerp has something for every art lover.

The Museum of Modern Art is a much celebrated and cherished museum in Antwerp. Founded in 1985, the Museum is housed in an old granary that was redesigned by Michel Grandsard. Noted for providing a platform for upcoming and amateur artists, the Museum of Modern Art is one of the most reputed museums in Belgium. Attracting well established international artists from all over the world the Museum has become one of the most famous spots for tourists who are keen art admirers.

Displaying a permanent and their much loved temporary collection, artists showcase their art, in all sorts of media, right from canvas to audio, films and photographs here. Along with having a spectacular gallery comprising of some groundbreaking art, the Museum also has a library with a vast collection of books for reference and general reading. And after admiring the works and exhibits at the Museum, how about a hot cup of coffee at the cozy little café, where you can further ponder about which artwork intrigued you more. And if you want to take back a memory or two with you, you can stop at the gift store that offers a variety of souvenirs and keep sakes.