A hidden library and charming corners in Antwerp

I hope you're doing well and are having a lovely summer season! Maybe you have been travelling around, going on a holiday or staying at home to enjoy the summer. Nevertheless, I hope you had time to relax and discover some new places, nearby or faraway.

Until now I've been working hard in my studio to get my work finished for the upcoming markets. But last week I took a little break and did some day trips which felt really welcome and inspiring. There's particularly one day out I would love to share with you!

So I hope you will accompany me to Antwerp, a famous port city in Belgium with amazing architecture and historical gems!

Arriving in Antwerp Central station by train is always overwhelming. For me, it's the most beautiful railway station in Belgium and it's completely renovated.

This grandiose architectural masterpiece consists of a steel platform roof and a stone station building. The platform roof was designed between 1895 and 1899 by Clement van Bogaert. The stone station building was built between 1899 and 1905 by Louis Delacenserie in an eclectic style. Delacenserie was inspired, in part, by the Pantheon in Rome.

This amazing railway station was officially opened in 1905.

Now let's move on to another impressive building; the Handelsbeurs (Trade Fair) which was completely renovated in 2019.

The Handelsbeurs (Trade Fair) is, just as it was in the 16th century, an inspiring meeting place and economic hub. During Antwerp's Golden Age, this "mother of all trade fairs" served as a model for many other trade fairs in Europe. This captivating monument burned down completely in 1583 and again in 1858, only to rise again from the ashes each time.

Beside the Belgian kings, even Winston Churchill visited this marvellous place in 1945.

If you take a closer look to the roof construction which is really breathtaking in its aesthetics. The architect Schadde filled the free spaces between the rivet structure with beautifully wrought iron plant motifs. They symbolise the goods traded at the Trade Fair- barley, grapes, oats, hops, tobacco and cacao. With their striking ornamental character, these iron structures could be considered a forerunner of the Art Nouveau.

I so much love this kind of decoration and am really pleased the government invest in restoring and conserving these buildings for future generations.

It would become a very long blogpost to describe every building I came across but I just wanted to show you these magnificent and richly decorated facades.

One of the most charming streets in Antwerp is the Vlaeykensgang, a narrow alley with cobble stones which still breathes the atmosphere from the past.

And there are more cozy streets with ancient houses. I think the greenery makes it look even more charming!

I really love wandering in these kind of streets as I always have a longing for the past and interest in the history of a place. You won't find me in the main streets with the endless rows of shops, selling stuff we actually don't need or which is often produced in unethical or not sustainable ways.

I'd rather like to visit independent bookstores or shops by local makers. Fortunately, there are quite a lot of them in Antwerp.

As it's almost midday, it's time for a little break. I found this cozy and authentic little cafe where they make the most delicious pastries. ‘A fresh tart’ is definitely worth a visit and I treated myself with a chai latte and a tasty cardamon bun, as you can see!

Then we arrive at the market square with the town hall and the Brabofontein which gave Antwerp its name. This historical heart of the city is surrounded by 16th and 17th century guild houses with their various golden canopies.

There are different legends told about Brabo. One is the tale about Brabo and the giant Druon Antigoon. Brabo defeated the giant and threw his hand into the river de Schelde, hence the name Antwerp (hAndwerpen: hand throwing).

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal is the largest Gothic building from Belgium and the Netherlands. It's recognised as a World Heritage site and a treasure trove of art including masterpieces by Rubens and amazing stained glass windows.

Now we follow our way to the Hendrik Conscienceplein where a very special heritage library is hidden. This library is only open from July until September and I really wanted to visit this cinematic and inspiring place!

Hendrik Conscience was the first writer who wrote a novel in Flemish.

There's so much to tell about this unique library but the best thing to discover this magical place is to visit it yourself!

In the Nottebohmzaal of this historical place you'll find 150 000 old books, you'll smell the scent of dust and withered paper, you'll hear the sound of the creaking wooden floor and above all you'll be transferred to another world.

I was quite fascinated by the craftsmanship, the lettering and the materials of all these wonderful books. As you can imagine, I've spent a lot of time in this wonderful room. The rich history and stories these books hold, are a mystery but sometimes one can get a glimpse of it in a secret place like this.

This library started with a gift of 41 books in 1481.

This marked the beginning of the Stadsbibliotheek, which was established in the town hall. Unfortunately, it was lost in 1576 in the town hall fire during the Spanish Fury.

In 1805, the library opened to the public for the first time. The library collection was also expanded with books from the École Centrale, which primarily preserved works from the abolished monastery libraries. In the mid-19th century, librarian Frans Hendrik Mertens laid the foundation for the impressive collection of Dutch literature, which remains a major focus of the collection today.

Time to get some fresh air now!

Let's walk to the botanical garden of Antwerp. It can't compare to the Botanical Garden of Leuven but still it's nice to enjoy some greenery and flowers in the middle of a noisy and busy city.

I could already spot a little hint of autumn in the trees…

And I finished my day in the beguinage where I enjoyed the contemplative rest and peaceful silence.

I hugely enjoyed this day out in Antwerp and discovered so many new places. The visit of the hidden library didn't disappoint and was definitely the highlight and really inspiring!