Grote Markt

Grote Markt is Antwerp’s main square, framed by gilded guild houses and the Renaissance City Hall. At its centre, the Brabo statue depicts the city’s founding legend, in which a Roman soldier throws a giant’s severed hand. Look closely at the façades, then take a seat at a café for a Belgian beer. The square also hosts markets and, at Christmas, stalls selling Glühwein and food. Come early for a quieter look, or return after dark to see the buildings lit up.

The square and its buildings

Grote Markt is Antwerp’s main square, close to the cathedral. Its most prominent building is the City Hall, a Renaissance structure completed in 1565. Gilded guild houses line the square, their detailed façades best appreciated on foot. Many of the guild houses were rebuilt after a major fire; their originals date from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The City Hall’s exterior is polychrome, with flags displayed across its façade. The central flags on the lower row represent Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, Europe and the United Nations. Take a moment to look up as you cross the square, rather than seeing the buildings only from a café seat.

Brabo and the city’s founding legend

The statue at the centre of Grote Markt shows the legendary Roman soldier Silvius Brabo throwing a giant’s severed hand. The story is a myth, not a historical account, and the statue is one of the square’s most recognisable landmarks. Its position makes it easy to include in a walk around the guild houses and City Hall.

Grote Markt is also a place to pause. Cafés and bars line the square, with nearby alleys leading to more places to eat and drink. Markets are held here, and Christmas brings stalls with food and Glühwein. For a quieter look at the architecture, come early; after dark, the illuminated façades give the square a different feel.