Brabo Fountain, Bronze fountain in Grote Markt, Belgium
The Brabo Fountain is a bronze statue in Antwerp's Grote Markt depicting a Roman soldier raising a severed hand above his head. The figure stands on a decorated base with mythical sea creatures and reaches approximately ten meters in height.
The fountain was designed and unveiled in 1887 by Belgian sculptor Jef Lambeaux. It replaced a liberty tree that had occupied the square since 1836.
The figure depicts a scene from the city's founding legend that explains where Antwerp's name originates. Visitors can see the dramatic pose of the soldier holding the severed hand and understand why this image matters so much to the local identity.
The fountain occupies the center of Grote Markt directly in front of city hall, making it the main focal point of the square. You can reach it easily on foot and view it from every angle around the plaza.
Water sprays from the wrist of the bronze figure, connecting the practical function of the fountain directly to the mythological story. This detail brings the ancient legend alive within the modern fountain.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
