Where in the World?

Question: Where in the world can you find a legendary hero, a defeated giant, and a hand-throwing fountain making a political statement?

Answer: The Antwerp Grote Markt in Belgium.

Like many great Flemish cities, the historic heart of Antwerp, Belgium, is a classic Grote Markt (market square). Originating from the municipal ground created during the era of the Franks, Antwerp’s Grote Markt—also known as the Grand Place or Great Market Square—is a picturesque, triangular, pedestrianized space that has been the center of the city’s civic life since the early Middle Ages.

Antwerp’s strategic location on the Scheldt River made it a crucial hub for international trade in the olden days, and the Grote Markt was at the center of this activity: Merchants from across Europe would gather here to trade goods—such as textiles, spices, and precious metals. Thus, many of the buildings surrounding the square date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, a time when Antwerp was one of the most powerful and prosperous cities in Europe. The architectural styles of these buildings reflect the wealth and influence of the city during this period, with ornate facades and intricate decorations—namely the Antwerp City Hall, an impressive Italo-Flemish Renaissance-style Stadhuis completed in 1565.

Indeed, several important historical buildings flank the square, each with its own unique story and significance. For example, the numerous guild houses here each represent a different trade or craft that was important to the city's economy in the past. Guilds were powerful associations of craftsmen or merchants who practiced the same trade, and their guild houses served as the administrative centers for these organizations. The largest guild house in Antwerp was that of the butchers, located just north of the square, but most other guilds built their houses right on the Grote Markt (learn more about the guild houses of Antwerp’s Grote Market in the "Fun Facts" section below).

However, perhaps the most prominent feature of the Grote Markt is the iconic Brabo Fountain, depicting the legendary hero Silvius Brabo, who, according to local folklore, defeated "The Giant of Antwerp"—Druon Antigoon.

Legend has it that Druon Antigoon terrorized the city by demanding a heavy toll from ships passing through the Scheldt River and, if the toll was not paid, the giant would cut off the hands of the ship's crew and throw them into the river. Brabo, a young Roman soldier, challenged the giant to a duel and ultimately defeated him. As a symbol of his victory, Brabo cut off the giant's hand and threw it into the river, just as the giant had done to his victims.

Jef Lambeaux created the Brabo Fountain in 1887 to capture this dramatic moment, with Brabo standing triumphantly atop the fountain and holding the giant's severed hand aloft. Many believe Lambeaux intended the Brabo Fountain to symbolize free passage through the river, serving as a political swipe at the Dutch, who long blocked (and continue to hinder) free traffic on the Scheldt. The fountain has since become a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, and the story of Brabo and the giant has become an integral part of Antwerp's cultural identity.

4 Fun Facts About Grote Markt and the Brabo Fountain:

• There is a plethora of beautiful guild houses to admire in the Grote Markt—each boasting a unique history: The oldest two guild houses stand on the south side of the square. The Rodenborch at no. 40, the former guild house of the skinners and cobblers, has a facade dating to 1644, though the building's cellar is much older, originating in the 13th century. Next door is De Balans, the former weighhouse and guild house of the shearmen and clothworkers, rebuilt in the early Renaissance style after a fire in 1541. On the north side of the Grote Markt are some of the most photographed guild houses. The Spaengien at no. 7, crowned with a statue of Saint George fighting a dragon, was the guild house of the archers. De Mouwe at no. 5 belonged to the coopers' guild and features a statue of their patron saint, St. Matthias. Other notable guild houses on this side include Den Engel, De Spieghel, Den Arend, De Pauw, Den Luipaert, Den Beer, and De Simme, each identified by distinctive statues depicting symbols or patron saints associated with their respective guilds.


• The Brabo Fountain isn’t the only reference to the legendary hero in the square or city: If you look closely at the facade of the City Hall, you'll find a small statue of Brabo throwing the giant's hand. In fact, the hand-throwing gesture has become a symbol of Antwerp, and you'll find references to it throughout the city—from souvenirs to local beer labels. According to some versions of the legend, the name "Antwerp" itself is even derived from the Dutch words "hand werpen," which means "hand throwing."


• The Grote Markt rises to many occasions: Every year on the second Sunday of August, the Grote Markt hosts a folklore event called the "Meir Parade," which features a reenactment of the Brabo legend, complete with a giant puppet representing Druon Antigoon. The Grote Markt also hosts a Christmas market and ice rink every winter.


• The Brabo Fountain isn’t the only notable statue in Grote Markt: Next to the city hall stands a bronze statue that honors the dockworkers. It was created in 1885 by the Belgian artist Constantin Meunier, who was inspired by the harsh labor conditions in the docks during the 19th century. The sculpture shows a young stevedore—a dockworker who manually loaded and unloaded ships. His headgear was made specifically for carrying large bags. In 1946 this statue, a cast from 1893, was donated by an American general to the city of Antwerp out of gratitude for the dockworkers who continued working despite the constant terror of the German V-bombs. The statue, which is known as the Buildrager (stevedore) was unveiled here on September 4, 1950.

Explore Antwerp’s well-preserved Old Town—built around the Grote Markt—and visit the Brabo Fountain on Grand Circle Cruise Line’s Holland & Belgium in Springtime River Cruise.