Cathedral of Our Lady
It took 169 years (1352-1521) of labour to raise the Cathedral's steeple, standing 123 metres tall, the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. The Cathedral is an iconic treasury, with an impressive collection of major art works, including a series of paintings by Rubens. Now, after twenty years, the seven-naved church has been restored to its former architectural glory. Fascinating features include Rubens' "Elevation of the Cross" and his "Descent from the Cross". Any visit to Antwerp should start with a visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
The stately Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp stands proudly in the Zuid district, a distinct building holding an impressive collection of art. Although the staircase may seem imposing, guests are more than welcome to enter and explore the museum's world-renowned collection. Paintings by Flemish primitives Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling hang side by side with works by Quentin Massys, the founding father of Antwerp's painting school, Rubens, Sir Anthony Van Dyck and Jacob Jordaens. Nineteenth century artists and modernists are well represented, making the collection a valuable insight into modern fine art. The works of James Ensor and Rik Wouters are on display, as are those of foreign artists such as Titian, Frans Hals, Auguste Rodin and Amedeo Modigliani.
Antwerp Zoo
The Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest and best-known zoos in Europe. Reserve at least half a day to see and do it all! The penguins live in Vriesland with their own arctic enclosure. Elephants and giraffes are as tall as the Egyptian temple they stay in, and hippopotamuses goof around in a pink villa. Over 950 different species and 5,000 animals live at the zoo!
Antwerp's Zoo is also a very special place because it has a programme to help save animals that are endangered, such as bonobos and okapi. Come and visit the zoo to learn more about these special creatures!
The Zoo's beautiful buildings and garden have been listed as monuments, and when it was built in 1843, it was just outside the city walls. Now the city has grown so much that the zoo is now in the middle of town and is a green oasis next to Central Station.
Information and reservation:
Tel: +32 (0)70 23 33 54