Saint Anne's Tunnel |
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This magnificent tunnel under the Scheldt River, often overlooked by tourists, was built in the years 1931-1933. 572 meters of footpath leading from the left bank to the old city center are only accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. The inner diameter of the tunnel is 4,3 m. Access to the tunnel is provided on both sides by lifts and wooden escalators. The entrance from the old town is south of the Grote Markt, on the small square Sint-Jansvliet, at the end of the Hoogstraat in a yellow Art-Deco building.
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During World War II, in the 1944 year, the entrance from Linkeroever on the left bank was destroyed. Reconstruction lasted until 1949 year. In the 1997 year, the tunnel together with technical equipment and buildings was considered a monument.
A walk through the tunnel, one way, takes about 10 minutes. It is worth trying both the lift and the magnificent wooden escalators. When choosing a staircase, we feel as if we moved into the years 40. Even warning signs have an antique style.
To get to the tunnel, you have to take 31,57 m under the Scheldt surface. Then, among the bikes and pedestrians, moving in both directions, we go straight to the other side. When we reach the surface, we can admire the magnificent panorama of the city.
A walk through the tunnel, one way, takes about 10 minutes. It is worth trying both the lift and the magnificent wooden escalators. When choosing a staircase, we feel as if we moved into the years 40. Even warning signs have an antique style.
To get to the tunnel, you have to take 31,57 m under the Scheldt surface. Then, among the bikes and pedestrians, moving in both directions, we go straight to the other side. When we reach the surface, we can admire the magnificent panorama of the city.
Secret Avenue Vlaeykensgang
It was built in 1591. It connects Haute and Old Koornmarkt Pelgrimstraat, where at number 16 there is a gate leading to a place where time has stood still. In this small alley you will find a few charming nooks and crannies with beautiful tenement houses. Some of them have art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. Turn off the crowded streets of Antwerp into this oasis of tranquility when you have free time.
Comic murals
Comic book fans will surely appreciate the entertainment which is undoubtedly walking in the footsteps of comic murals. In Antwerp we can find about 20 such paintings on the walls of buildings. They show characters from famous Belgian comic books. Similar murals can also be seen in Brussels. Although most of them are located in the vicinity of the old town, they are not easy to find in the winding streets of Antwerp. That is why it is worth getting a map with the locations of the murals marked.
Stadsfeestzaal
At the end of the 19th century, the city authorities decided to build an exhibition hall in the city. The design by architect Alex van Mechelen was completed in 1907. Many important celebrations were organized here. In 1983, the building was officially entered into the luxury register. In December 2000 a catastrophic fire took place, which almost completely destroyed the hall. Only the steel roof structure, concrete stairs and external facade survived the fire. The re-opening of the building, which was rebuilt with great expenditure, took place in 2007. Today, there is a beautiful shopping center with about 40 shops, restaurants and places for recreation. When visiting the nearby zoo or the historic station building, it is also worth stepping inside this beautiful building, which is located at Meir 78 / Hopland 31.
The walk through the streets of Antwerp
After visiting all the monuments that interest us, it is worth taking a stroll through the charming streets of the city, at least for a while. Going off the beaten tourist trail, we may discover something that will delight us. A beautiful tenement house, a wonderful sculpture or a charming square. Let's put the guide aside for a moment and start admiring the surroundings. Then we will really start to notice details that we do not pay attention to, as we rush at the pace of a one-day tourist.
Dozens of magnificent chapels, often placed in the corners of tenement houses, are, next to monumental churches, the only examples of the Catholic faith that flourished in these areas in the past centuries. Charming tenement houses, created by outstanding architects, renovated over the years, testify to the richness and importance of Antwerp in the past.
It was in Antwerp that the first skyscraper in Europe was built. In 1932 this 87,5-meter-high skyscraper was commissioned. In 1976 its structure was increased by 8,5 meters. Ultimately, the Art Deco building reached a height of 95,75 meters. In 1944, KBC Tower was hit by approximately 50 shells from German artillery. A year later, a V2 rocket made a huge hole in the facade.
There are many reasons to come to Antwerp. Which one will you choose? Will you be tempted by the esteem of the city of monuments, or maybe the fact that this is where masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck or Joardens lived and created their works? If you are tempted by diamonds, the capital of which is Antwerp, that's good too. Just visit, be amazed and remember this beautiful city.
It was in Antwerp that the first skyscraper in Europe was built. In 1932 this 87,5-meter-high skyscraper was commissioned. In 1976 its structure was increased by 8,5 meters. Ultimately, the Art Deco building reached a height of 95,75 meters. In 1944, KBC Tower was hit by approximately 50 shells from German artillery. A year later, a V2 rocket made a huge hole in the facade.
There are many reasons to come to Antwerp. Which one will you choose? Will you be tempted by the esteem of the city of monuments, or maybe the fact that this is where masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck or Joardens lived and created their works? If you are tempted by diamonds, the capital of which is Antwerp, that's good too. Just visit, be amazed and remember this beautiful city.