Brabo's Monument

Stunning architecture in the surrounding area and a magnificent sculpture. Plenty of restaurants and souvenir stores nearby. It's beautiful to wander through the narrow streets in the area, especially in the morning. Very close to the huge cathedral.

This is called as Brabo Fountain, it always impresses by the extravagant 16th-century city hall and guildhalls that surround the historic main square. And then they take a closer look at the central fountain, which for those unfamiliar with local legend is quite a peculiar sight: a naked man in the act of throwing a huge severed hand. The Brabo Fountain (Brabofontein in Dutch) is a tribute to the mythical Roman soldier Silvius Brabo. According to legend, there was once a giant named Druon Antigoon who built a fortress along the Scheldt River. The giant forced passing boats to pay a toll, as well as anyone crossing the nearby bridge. If the travelers refused, Antigoon cut off one of their hands and tossed it into the river. The giant’s reign of extortion came to an end when Silvius Brabo sailed down river. He refused to pay the giant’s toll, and challenged the giant to a duel. Brabo was victorious, and chopped off the giant’s head as well as his hand, which he threw into the river just like the giant once did. According to folklore, the name Antwerp—or Antwerpen in Dutch— came from this very legend, with Antwerpen in Flemish and hand werpen in Dutch both meaning “hand throwing.” The sculpture of Brabo depicts the soldier as he throws the giant’s hand in the river, water spouting out of the severed wrist like blood. Brabo stands on a tall pedestal decorated with an array of creatures, including fish, a sea lion, a turtle, a dragon-like monster and some mermaids holding up a castle, symbolizing Antwerp. And beneath the feet of Silvius Brabo is the severed head of the giant Antigoon, the slain scourge of the now liberated river. The statue was designed by the Belgian sculptor Jef Lambeaux and inaugurated in 1887. It was placed at the center of the Grote Markt, in a prime location in front of the city hall. Not only did it represent the legend of Silvius Brabo, it was also a symbolic celebration of the freeing of the Scheldt River. The place is very lovely. There are many restaurants and shopping market as it's located in the centre and near is town hall.

The best place to visit during Christmas season. Plenty of shops to taste Belgian foods in Christmas markets. Also you can see the history and the tale of Antwerp. Grote market is nearby and best place to enjoy your evening with Belgium beer 🍺

Impressive water fountain telling the story of Antwerpen’s Legend (The Giant Antigoon who had his hand chopped off). Beautiful bars and restaurants around it. Two of Antwerpen’s landmarks. Can you guess all the flags? The beautiful old Cathedral of Antwerpen is also just a stone’s throw away and features prominently in the background.

Interesting statue. It’s very difficult to find a right angle to get a postcard perfect picture. Antwerp old town is very compact and walkable. You won’t need much time to see all the landmarks unless you spend time entering the churches, museums and city hall.

On the day I went to the square it was super crowded as there was a music festival going on there. I did not get a chance to have a close look at the sculpture in the middle of the square. But the surrounding buildings are sure beautiful and with architectural charm from 17-18 centuries. Hope next time when I visit, the square will be less crowded so that I will enjoy more.

Good thing they turn on the water, so people can't climb on the statue anymore.

We enjoyed the Antwerp Christmas Market - which happens in many locations. The people were nice, the booths were enjoyable. So many things to hear, see, and do! The sculpture was interesting to walk around and view all the details from various angles. Morning was not crowded at all, by midday more people were arriving and after there were crowds gathered here and there. If you have mobility challenges - the bricks and cobbles stones are not as bad here as in other places for wheelchair, scooter, or roller walker.