While you’re walking around, you may notice beautiful Madonna & son statues on the corners of buildings that seem random, like they don’t really belong.
That’s because they don’t.
According to a local shop owner I shamelessly interrogated asked, he explained that years ago, there was a property tax dispute between a building owner and the city.
The city claimed that a lower tax rate only applied to places of worship. So, the owner put a statue of Mary on the side of his building and claimed it a “place of worship”.
When the city still required a higher rate, he appealed to the church authorities who ruled in his favor. Once word of this got out, statues went up all over the city.
I found it fascinating that these statues not only didn’t serve a religious purpose, but instead were there purely for money-saving purposes.
Apparently, it is a citywide game to see if visitors can find all of them.
Note: while it was tons of fun going on this scavenger hunt around Antwerp, it did take several hours. So if you are pressed for time or have other sites you want to see, you may have to skip this challenge.
20 Comments
Charlotte
Love seeing my city through someone else’s eyes!!! Beautiful photos!
Rahma
This is the first time I have read something about this lovely place! Thank you for highlighting such hidden gems which many toruists (like me) are not aware of 🙂
Julia
The architecture in Antwerp looks amazing! I would love to see the Central Station and the stone fortress in person!
Pauline
This city looks so beautiful! It looks like you visited a lot in a day! How cool is the hostel though?! So much better than the usual bunk beds haha
Kris
Such great information! I love the story about the Virgin Mary statues, I’m glad you interrogated the shop owner. Antwerp looks like a beautiful and interesting place to visit.
Christine
I love Belgium (my mom’s family is from there), but I haven’t been to Antwerp yet. It is definitely on my list – love your photos there! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Julie
Wow Antwerp looks beautiful. Now it’s definitely on my list.
Andi
I haven’t visited this part of Belgium but my hubby and I have plans to see more of this beautiful country soon! Antwerp looks amazing!
Sinjana
I had a one-night layover at Antwerp and I loved wandering around the city. I missed the MAS museum and the stunning views from the terrace. But I enjoyed spending time in the romantic central park and the Diamond quarters. I loved the color tones of all your pictures here.
Nicola
Oh wow! I never knew Antwerp was that beautiful. I’m definitely adding it to my list of must see cities.
Hanna
I’ve only ever driven through Belgium before, but I think next time I’ll hang around for a bit longer and definitely go to some of these places! Thanks for sharing!
Natasha L
A really helpful guide to Antwerp thanks, I had no idea that the MAS had an observation deck. Those views are awesome, I’m going to check that out. I also think Het Seen is a beautiful little area, i could walk around there. Since you suggest wandering the streets I’m assuming it’s safe for solo female travellers…
Morgan Martin
Definitely did not realize Antwerp was this amazing! Only had time for a couple days in Brussels but will have to venture here if I make it back to Belgium. Thank you for an informative post and always love reading about different hostels as this is my way to keep my travel cheap.
emaroundtheworld
Definitely try a pod hostel! They are so interesting. If you’re ever back in Belgium, Antwerp is a great place for a day trip!
Anna McCluskey
Oooooh, this looks so magical! Adding Antwerp to my ever-growing list of places I need to see!
emaroundtheworld
Yes, it’s so pretty in person! I can’t recommend it enough.
Denise Hendrick
What a gorgeous city, and your post brings it to life. Thanks for sharing!
emaroundtheworld
Antwerp was breathtaking and so interesting in person, definitely add it to your list. Thanks for reading!
Maura
Lots of information here for Antwerp to explore and I would really love to visit that castle.
emaroundtheworld
I can’t recommend Antwerp enough! It’s full of beautiful things to see, especially the castle – it was so cool!