Grote Markt (Great Market Square), Antwerp (must see)

Great Market Square forms the historic and visual centre of Antwerp. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when the area developed as the city’s main marketplace. Merchants once gathered here to exchange goods arriving through the nearby Scheldt River, while guilds—representing trades such as brewing, baking, and shipping—established their presence around the square.

Dominating the western side of the square is the Antwerp City Hall, completed in 1565. Its façade blends Flemish and Italian Renaissance elements. Examine the central section of the façade, which is heavily decorated with flags; at the very top of this section, look for the statue of the Virgin Mary, the city's patron saint, which stands between figures representing Justice and Prudence.

Opposite it stands a row of richly decorated guild houses and former patrician residences, many of which were rebuilt in the late 19th century in historic styles. To see the symbols of the city's old trade power, look for the gilded statues atop the stepped gables. The tallest of these, House No. 7, is the House of the Great Crossbowmen, identifiable by the gilded figure of Saint George and the Dragon crowning its peak. These buildings’ stepped gables, gilded details, and sculptural ornamentation make the square particularly appealing for those interested in urban architecture.

At the centre stands the Brabo Fountain, depicting the legendary Roman soldier who, according to local lore, defeated the giant Druon Antigoon and threw his severed hand into the river. Notice that the bronze hero is positioned at the very top, in the act of throwing the hand. A unique detail to observe is the base of the monument: it was intentionally designed without a water basin, so the water splashes directly onto the square's paving stones.

Cafés and restaurants line its edges, making it a natural place to pause—whether to sit on an open terrace with a glass of Belgian beer, enjoy a traditional meal, or simply take in the surroundings. Nearby, the Cathedral of Our Lady rises above the rooftops, anchoring the skyline. The space is often animated by seasonal events, casual strolls, and the steady rhythm of daily life.