Grote Markt Antwerp

The historic center of Antwerp, a must-see when visiting Antwerp!

Sit down on one of the many terraces and enjoy the architectural grandeur of this market and/or the cozy intimate character.

The Grote Markt started its history as a forum or square just outside the medieval residential core. Duke Hendrik I of Brabant (1165-1235) donated this communal land to the city in 1220. The name Merckt appeared for the first time in 1310. It is also around this time that the first annual fairs or fores of Brabant took place. Here English merchants did business with Italians, Spaniards, Hanseatics from the North German Hanseatic cities, South Germans and Flemings. At the end of the 15th century, Antwerp became the most important city in the Netherlands at the expense of Bruges.