Antwerp, Port municipality in Flanders, Belgium
Antwerp is a port city in Flanders that stretches for several kilometers along the right bank of the Scheldt River, with modern harbor facilities to the north and a historic city center to the south. The central area features medieval streets, baroque facades, and wide boulevards leading toward the river.
The city reached its greatest prosperity in the 16th century, when it rose to become the main commercial hub north of the Alps and attracted merchants from all over Europe. Religious conflicts led to a decline in the 17th century, but it remained an important cultural center.
The city is home to many Art Nouveau buildings concentrated in the streets around the central station, as well as historic guild houses on the Grote Markt that now house restaurants and cafés. Local residents often gather in the small breweries and chocolate shops scattered through the old town lanes.
The old town is easy to explore on foot, while the harbor area can be reached by public transport or bicycles, which can be rented at many locations throughout the city. Most museums and attractions are open year round, with longer hours during the summer months.
The diamond district processes much of the world's rough diamonds, with shops and workshops concentrated in just a few streets. Many of the businesses have been family owned for generations and preserve traditional craftsmanship techniques.
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