Antwerp is home to the world's largest diamond industry. Diamonds are mined all over the globe, but they are cleft, sawed, polished, refined and resold in Antwerp.
The golden era of Antwerp was the 16th century, from which many of its monuments and architectural highlights date. The famous Brabo fountain, a monument to the city's mythical hero Silvius Brabo, is located in the heart of the city.
The city is proud of its artistic heritage, particularly its strong link with Rubens, who was born there and spent most of his life painting in and around the port. Visit his old house, the Rubenshuis, which has been well renovated and serves as a good introduction to the painter's work. Another important piece of Belgium's artistic heritage is the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Katedraal, an impressive Gothic structure. This church is home to three fabulous Rubens canvases, the most beautiful of which is the Descent from the Cross.
View all the cruises that call at Antwerp, Western Europe cruise destination
Silversea Cruises,
Peter Deilmann Cruises ,
Seabourn Cruise Line,
Fred.Olsen Cruise Line,
