20 fun facts about Antwerpen, Belgium

Antwerp is a small city in Belgium that might fly under the radar of most tourists. Yet, it’s a super interesting city to learn about and explore. And I’m not just saying that because it’s my hometown.

Although it isn’t as famous globally, Antwerp is home to many inventions and people who have changed the world.

Fun facts about Inventions, culture, and art form Antwerp

1. The Garamond font was invented by the printer Christophe Plantin from Antwerp
2. The Rubenshuis was the home and studio of the renowned painter until 1640; it is now open to the public as a museum.
3. Try the Antwerpse Handjes, the biscuit of the city
4. Antwerp is the setting of A Dog of Flanders, though an English author wrote it.
5. 530.000 people are living in Antwerp
6. There are over 172 nationalities living in the city of Antwerp
7. The nickname ‘sinjoor’ for the inhabitants of Antwerp comes from the word señor by the Spanish rulers in the 17th century.
8. To get the nickname ‘sinjoor’ now, you and your parents must all have been born within the region between the river Scheldt and the Leien roads.

Fun facts about the architecture and history of Antwerp city

9. There was already a fortified settlement in the 9th century near where Het Steen is.
10. In 1531, Antwerp built the world’s first stock exchange; you can still visit the recently renovated building.
11. Host of the Olympics in 1920 (the first one after WWI), the only Olympics in Belgium so far
12. The Antwerp zoo is one of the oldest in the world and was founded in 1843
13. Home to the prettiest train station in the world, that’s not just me saying it.
14. The Boerentoren is the oldest skyscraper in Europe and was finished in 1932 
15. The construction of the Cathedral of Our Lady started in 1352
16. The Sint-Annatunnel opened in 1933; it’s 572 meters long and is also known as the pedestrian tunnel.
17. The Port Authority Building is the only governmental building designed by Zaha Hadid.

Fun trade facts about Antwerp:

18. Antwerp has been the diamond capital since the 16th century.
19. 80% of the world’s production of rough diamonds is bought and sold in Antwerp.
20. The Port of Antwerp is the second-largest port in Europe, second only to Rotterdam.

What fun facts about Antwerp do you like the most? Let me know in the comments!