Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal), Antwerp

Advantages: Some interesting, unique and very unsual places to see and venture into
Disadvantages: Not a major city for things to see and do

...place to start a visit to the city as it typifies the place, hand-throwing and all. It's a large square bordered by ornate buildings including the magnificent Stadhuis (town hall) and strewn with cafés and, seeing as this is Europe, dozens of Japanese and American tourists. Even the rain and the gloom of March didn't put them off so I imagine come mid-summer their numbers would peak uncontrolably. It's just round the corner from here that you'll also find the Onze Lieve Vrouwe (our lady's) cathedral, Belgium's largest gothic affair with an impressive collection of art work and architecture inside that can be yours to examine for an entry fee of a few Euros which includes a leaflet in your language of choice - bargain. The only disapointment for me was the fact they don't let you climb the 123m main tower - in fact there was nowhere we came... Read review

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Advantages: beer
Disadvantages: sad in winter

...Until the 15th century Antwerp was a minor city in Belgium. It was only when its port begun to take more and more of the market share of its competitor Bruges, that Antwerp became a rich city. Some of the merchant based here soon became very rich and did not hesitate in spending money on their residences. The Baroque buildings, together with the tapestries and paintings, which can be seen today, remind us of this glorious past. I only visited one art museum, while there, the “Royal Museum of Fine Arts” in Leopold de Waelplaats 1-9, bang in the middle of the town. I would recommend a visit to it, as a way of getting a good overview on the heritage of Antwerp. However, everyone seems to agree that the finest monument in Antwerp is the Gothic cathedral of Our Lady. Do not miss the “Flemish Renaissance House”... Read review

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Advantages: It's close, it's charms are well known
Disadvantages: It's confusing

...with high vaulted ceilings and a huge dome over the main hall (reminiscent of the Grand Union stations in the US) Eat your heart out – Eurostar!!! Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kathedral The Cathedral of Our Lady is the largest Gothic building in Europe, taking two centuries to complete. It dominates the centre of the city with its 404 foot spire. Inside it is massive with no less than seven naves. It has recently been fully restored and its vaulted ceiling and paucity of stained glass gives it a very light and open feeling. The cathedral boasts two priceless treasures – altar triptychs by Rubens entitled “Raising the Cross” and “Descent from the Cross” – dating from the early seventeenth century. Rubenshuis Pieter Paul Rubens (born 1577; died 1640) was an accomplished landscape painter but is best known for his portrayals of buxom women. He lived... Read review

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