Antwerp History

The second largest port in Europe, Antwerp has figured prominently on the world stage since the 16th century, when it was the continent’s most important trading centre. This city is also famed for its artists including not only painters such as Rubens, but also acclaimed fashion designers of more recent times.

Ancient times

There is evidence that settlers have lived in Antwerp since the 2nd century, with the first proper fortifications erected in the 9th century. These fortifications, which were destroyed by the Normans, form part of the foundation of the Steen, which survives to this day. From early times, the town’s strategic position at the mouth of the Scheldt River had a positive impact on its economic growth, and in the early 14th century, the town prospered on the back of a roaring trade in wool. However, the town’s location was a double-edged sword, and it was often caught in the middle of political and religious turmoil.

Golden Age

Under the patronage of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, Antwerp experienced a huge boom in both prestige and commerce during the 16th century, when it was the most important business and cultural city in Europe. Trade flourished, and the city was famed for its painters, scholars and scientists, who were all at the forefront of their professions. Unfortunately for Antwerp, Charles V abdicated and the new Spanish pope, Philip II, decided to take a harsh line with the Protestants in northern Netherlands.

This policy was to have a devastating effect on the city, as it was caught right in the middle and experienced three horrendous invasions, which tried hard to wipe out Antwerp’s cultural heritage and influence. Subsequently, the Scheldt was closed to shipping, and trade in Antwerp came to a virtual halt. The city steadily lost its former glory, especially after the deaths of famous 17th century artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck and Jordaens, and it became little more than an isolated backwater town for a few hundred years.

Modern era

In 1863, the Scheldt River was opened for shipping again, and Antwerp wasted no time in reinstating its position as one of Europe’s leading ports. In particular, it became the centre of the lucrative diamond trade and it still maintains this position today. With brief interruptions during the two World wars, which also resulted in large scale destruction of the city’s heritage, Antwerp’s economic prosperity has steadily increased, as has its international reputation for producing world-class artists. The city hosted the Olympic Games in 1920, was proclaimed Cultural Capital of Europe in 1993 and is now one of the world’s leading fashion centres.