Waterpoort, Antwerp

Waterpoort, Antwerp

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.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Antwerp. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Waterpoort on Map

Sight Name: Waterpoort
Sight Location: Antwerp, Belgium (See walking tours in Antwerp)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Antwerp, Belgium

Create Your Own Walk in Antwerp

Create Your Own Walk in Antwerp

Creating your own self-guided walk in Antwerp is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Antwerp Historic Center Walk

Antwerp Historic Center Walk

Antwerp is a bustling metropolis, replete with modern entertainment, yet it is the centuries-old city center that fuels tourists' interest the most. Indeed, downtown Antwerp is steeped in history. So much so, in fact, that to see all that it has to offer, you'll need way more than one day.

Here history awaits you practically round every corner – seen in the ancient building-fronts...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Antwerp Introduction Walking Tour

Antwerp Introduction Walking Tour

A major city-port on the River Scheldt in Belgium, Antwerp is known primarily as the diamond capital of Europe. For centuries, Antwerp's Diamond District has been the center of diamond trade, with thousands of dealers, cutters and polishers processing 85% of the world's rough diamonds each year.

Historical Antwerp has its origins in a Gallo-Roman settlement, first mentioned in the 4th...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Antwerp's Historical Churches Tour

Antwerp's Historical Churches Tour

Antwerp, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts an array of historical churches that stand as testaments to its past.

Reigning supreme among them is the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning 14th-century Gothic masterpiece. Its towering spire dominates the city skyline and houses invaluable artworks by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles