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Published: January 23rd 2016
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My journey from Luxembourg to Antwerp was nearly three hours and I was keen to stop off somewhere on the way to explore and break up the journey. I decided to take up Stefano's suggestion with visiting Liege.
Finding a parking space in the centre of Liege is apparently a nightmare and expensive. I took Stefano's advise of parking outside of the centre and enjoyed a long but fairly pleasant walk along the Meuse River with the warmth of the sun shining down on me, bright blue skies and not a cloud in sight... travelling at it's finest.
The city centre of Liege was very busy with many local people and felt like there was not a tourist in sight, with the exception of myself. I had people talking to me in French on the street, no idea what they're saying... Are they begging for money? Maybe they're asking what the time is? I started to feel uncomfortable for some strange reason.
I had my guidebook with me and noticed many museums, but I really didn't want to stay too long so opted to see the main attractions. I first visited Place St Lambert, a 18th century building
in neo-classical style followed by Le Perron, a stone monument with fountains that dates back to the 11th century. After a couple of hours, I was done with Liege.
The nice weather continued for my time in Antwerp and I could feel myself slowing down. I had been cramming in so much in the past twelve days that I decided to take my time in Antwerp and just stroll around enjoy the sun and the sights of the medieval city. I found the architecture to be very similar to the Bruges and Ghent. I discovered that Antwerp was the largest city in Flanders and one of the busiest ports in Europe and is known be Belgium's second biggest city.
During my time in Antwerp I saw many attractions that were definitely worth visiting:
Cathedral of our Lady - This cathedral is known to be one of the finest gothic buildings in Europe. It was originally a church built in the 12th century but later replaced as a cathedral.
Rubenshuis Museum - The former home and studio of painter
Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens himself designed this impressive Italian influence styled building which is now a museum and open to
the public to see his paintings and unique furniture.
Museum aan de Stroom - I didn't actually visit this museum, but for free, you can take the elevators to the top of the building and it offers spectacular views of Antwerp.
Antwerp Central station - The architecture is stunning and apparently it's the fourth best train station in the world.
Grote Markt - Antwerp's golden age of trade with 16th century monumental buildings and townhall that's lively with tourists and offers lots of nearby restaurants and cafes.
Het Steen - A medieval fortress that was built after the Viking incursions in the early Middle Ages as the first stone fortress of Antwerp.
St Pauluskerk - A 16th century church with a magnificent baroque gate. Inside the church are some of Ruben's paintings.
Stadsfeestzaal - A beautiful shopping mall.
I believe I got to see most of the attractions in Antwerp. Not bad for someone just strolling around a city, taking their time.
I must admit that Antwerp did come at good timing as I had finished the box of chocolates I brought at the
Chocolate Line in Bruges, so I ended up buying
another box of chocolates at
Chocolate Line's only other branch.
No guilty pleasure felt, after all I was in Belgium.
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Dancing Dave
David Hooper
Antwerp
There is always something special in a stroll if you keep your eyes open. Love this streetscape Alan. Well spied.