April 15, 2025
As we docked in Antwerp, Belgium the rain begin bringing with it moody skies which made for incredible pictures! Just before my walking tour was to begin the rain stopped and the sun tried to peak out of the clouds.
Because I am in Belgium I began the day with a Belgium waffle….yummy!!
Antwerp is a port city on Belgium’s River Scheldt, with history dating to the Middle Ages. In its center, the centuries-old Diamond District houses thousands of diamond traders, cutters and polishers. Antwerp is the undisputed diamond capital of the world. No, I did not buy a diamond!!!
The towers of Cathedral of our Lady, a Rubenesque Cathedral dominate the skyline of Antwerp. Inside the beautiful church are the true treasures as it has on display three of Peter Paul Rueben’s large scale paintings.
The Virgin Mary is an important symbol in Antwerp and there was an initiate to create statues on the corners of buildings. This resulted in 140 statues being placed throughout the city. I made it a mission to find as many as I could but was only able to find 12 before the rain curtailed my hunt.
Fun fact Frites (aka French fries) were created in Belgium. They are served in cones and the locals dip them with mayo!!
I managed to purchase a bit of Belgium chocolate before the dark clouds returned and it started raining. I got soaked walking back to the boat!!
Although my exploring was cut short by the rain it Antwerp is an incredible city.
I love following your adventures! The pictures are fantastic.