Seniors Take In a Gem Called Antwerp

Seniors, have you been to Belgium? Antwerp is one of those cities that attracts thousands of visitors of all ages from around the world.  Antwerp is the capital of the Antwerp province of Belgium located on the right bank of the Scheldt River.

With a population of 510,000, it is the second most populous city in Belgium, after the capital Brussels. The name “Antwerp”, in case you are wondering, is most likely derived from “aan de werpe“, which is Dutch for “at the throw”, referring to a place where the bending river throws its sand.

 Seniors Enjoy World’s Leading Diamond City

Renowned for being the “world’s leading diamond city“, more than 70% of all diamonds are traded in Antwerp. The Diamond Market is the hub of the economic section in Belgium. More than 50% of cut diamonds and 40% of industrial diamonds are traded in the city.

Even back in the 16th century, Antwerp was one of the most important financial centers of the world, where traders from all over Europe and Asia sold and bought their goods. Eupedia (new to me) has a helpful overview for senior tourists that includes major highlights you will not want to miss.

‘Antwerp (Antwerpen/Anvers in Dutch/French) is the country’s capital of cool, a powerful magnet for mode moguls, club queens, art lovers and diamond dealers.’

In the mid-16th century it had been one of Europe’s most important cities and home to artist Pieter Paul Rubens, as you’ll be so constantly reminded.

‘Despite many historical disasters and severe WWII bombings, the city retains an intriguing medieval heart with café-filled cobbled lanes, a riverside fortress and an impressive cathedral.’ Today, Antwerp is known for its fashion, entertainment scene and architectural and cultural heritage.

Fashion, Design, Music…

The NY Times gives senior visitors 36 hours to explore this magnificent city. TripAdvisor calls the city a “hidden gem”. It is loaded with museums, churches and historic streets. One thing for sure is that you will not be able to miss the huge port that dominates much of the city.

Diamonds, sure, and Belgian chocolate, yes, and the big cathedral, most assuredly.  Antwerp today however is more about fashion, design, music jams, cocktails, record labels, and spending your money on a sunny terrace.

Antwerp has one of the highest density of cultural venues per capita in Europe. You will undoubtedly start off in Antwerp’s Grote Markt (town square), a jewel of 16th century architecture and the houses of the Guilds, the Stadhuis (Town Hall) and the 1887 statue of Brabo, the legendary slayer of the giant.

‘Hofstraat’, a street situated near the Town Square, is the place where the ‘Old Stock Exchange’ stood until 1533. Seniors, include Antwerp in your next European trip. – jeb