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Antwerp
In the 16th century, Antwerp was noted for the wealth of its citizens, the houses of these wealthy merchants and manufacturers have been preserved throughout the city. The city also suffered considerable war damage by V-bombs, and in recent years other noteworthy buildings were demolished for new developments.The Antwerp Zoo was founded in 1843, and is home to more than 4,000 animals Central Station is a railway station designed by Louis Delacenserie that was completed in 1905. It has two monumental neo-baroque facades, a large metal and glass dome (60m/197ft) and a gilt and marble interior Cathedral of Our Lady. This church was begun in the 14th century and finished in 1518. The church has three works by Rubens.
The church, named for St James, is more ornate than the cathedral. It contains the tomb of Rubens.
The church of St Paul, has a beautiful baroque interior. It is a few hundred yards north of the Grote Markt.
The Plantin-Moretus Museum preserves the house of the printer Christoffel Plantijn and his successor Jan Moretus.
The Boerentoren (Farmers' Tower) or KBC Tower, a 26-storey building built in 1932, is the oldest skyscraper in Europe.
The Royal Museum for Fine Arts close to the southern quays has a collection of old masters (Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian) and the leading Dutch masters.
The law courts, designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership, Arup and VK Studio, and opened by King Albert in April 2006. This building is the antithesis of the heavy, dark court building designed by Joseph Poelaert that dominates the skyline of Brussels.
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