Antwerp is home to the world's largest diamond industry. Antwerp, Belgium Gay Cruises. Diamonds are mined all over the globe, but they are cleft, sawed, polished, refined and resold in Antwerp. Antwerp, Belgium Gay Cruises.
The golden era of Antwerp was the 16th century, from which many of its monuments and architectural highlights date. Antwerp, Belgium Gay Cruises. The famous Brabo fountain, a monument to the city's mythical hero Silvius Brabo, is located in the heart of the city. Antwerp, Belgium Gay Cruises.
The city is proud of its artistic heritage, particularly its strong link with Rubens, who was born there and spent most of his life painting in and around the port. Antwerp, Belgium Gay Cruises. Visit his old house, the Rubenshuis, which has been well renovated and serves as a good introduction to the painter's work. Antwerp, Belgium Gay Cruises. Another important piece of Belgium's artistic heritage is the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Katedraal, an impressive Gothic structure. Antwerp, Belgium Gay Cruises. This church is home to three fabulous Rubens canvases, the most beautiful of which is the Descent from the Cross. Antwerp, Belgium Gay Cruises.
