[2025 Antwerp Attraction] Travel Guide for Brabo's Monument (Updated Jul)

Antwerp, Belgium — a city where history stands tall and legends come alive in the heart of every square. On a crisp, overcast morning, I found myself wandering through the Grote Markt, Antwerp’s iconic main square, surrounded by grand guildhalls and the majestic Renaissance-style City Hall. But one monument in particular demanded my attention: the Brabo Fountain. Standing beneath this powerful sculpture, I couldn’t help but feel small in the best possible way. The fountain tells the legendary tale of Silvius Brabo, a Roman soldier who freed the city from the tyranny of the giant Antigoon. The story goes that Antigoon would demand a toll from those crossing the river Scheldt—and if they refused, he’d cut off their hands. Brabo defeated the giant, chopped off his hand, and threw it into the river. That act of rebellion and justice gave the city its name: Antwerpen — literally, “hand throwing.” 🗿 The statue is fierce and poetic, showing Brabo mid-throw, standing atop the beast he conquered. It’s more than a monument — it’s a symbol of resistance and freedom that echoes through the centuries. 📍 Must-See Tips for Visiting Grote Markt: • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and soak in the peaceful vibe. • Grab a coffee nearby and just sit and take in the architecture — every building here has a history. • Look up! The gold-tipped statues atop the guildhalls are stunning in any light. ⸻ Antwerp surprised me. It’s not just a port city or a fashion hub — it’s a living museum. If you’re heading to Belgium, don’t skip it. And when you stand at the base of the Brabo Fountain, look up, breathe in the legend, and take a moment to feel just how deep Europe’s stories go.

##antwerp Day 1: Historic Center - Morning: Grote Markt, Cathedral of Our Lady - Afternoon: MAS Museum, Het Steen castle - Evening: Dinner at De Pottekijker (Flemish stew) Day 2: Fashion & Diamonds - Morning: MoMu Fashion Museum, Meir shopping street - Afternoon: Diamond District, Plantin-Moretus Museum - Evening: Drinks at Dogma Cocktails Day 3: Art & Local Areas - Morning: Rubens House, Zurenborg district - Afternoon: Antwerp Central Station, 't Eilandje docks - Evening: De Koninck Brewery or Cabron restaurant Optional: Short trip to Ghent (30 min train) Enjoy Antwerp.

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #BelgiumTravel #AntwerpTravel Antwerp, the second capital of Belgium, is a port city with many things to see and enjoy. I visited Antwerp City Hall, which has many national flags! I was so overwhelmed by the visuals that I looked at it for a long time and took a picture📸 It was fun to look for our country's flag while looking at the flags of various countries, and it was also meaningful to think about the story while looking at Bravo's Fountain. The area around Antwerp City Hall is Antwerp's old town, so I recommend you take your time and travel around☺️ 📍Location: Grote Markt 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

The Brabo Fountain is located in the center of Antwerp, Belgium. The fountain stands on the beautiful Grote Markt. Its unique design and rich historical legends have become the symbol of Antwerp. The center of the Brabo Fountain is a bronze statue created in 1887. It depicts the legendary Roman soldier Silvester Brabo cutting off the hand of the giant Druen Antibene. This scene symbolizes the victory of justice over evil. It is also the origin of the name of the city of Antwerp. It means "throwing hand" (Antwerp). The Brabo Fountain is located in the center of the Town Hall Square. It is surrounded by beautiful historical buildings, including the magnificent Town Hall and a series of exquisite guild halls. These buildings form a spectacular background, making the fountain more eye-catching. The Town Hall Square is the core area of ​​Antwerp. Various activities and celebrations are often held here, such as Christmas markets, concerts and art exhibitions, etc., which make the whole square full of vitality and joy. #GlobalTravel