TOP 10 World’s Best Destinations for Culture

4. Grote Markt (Bigg Market Square) in Antwerp, Belgium

Belgium’s second largest city, Antwerp not only survived heavy bombing during World War II but also managed to retain its medieval soul with an impressive number of cobbled café-lined lanes, a spectacular cathedral, a majestic riverside fortress, and a market surrounded by some amazing architecture marvels from the past. Holding a striking heritage of culture and architecture Antwerp is a rewarding experience of bygone eras.

As per a legend, the city was named after a giant Antigoon’ who lived near the Scheldt river and extorted a toll from boatmen passing by. Those who refused had to face consequences as severed limbs. Antigoon was killed by a young lad named Silvius Brabo who severed giant’s hand and threw into the river. Werpen in Dutch means to throw’, hence Antwerpen. Representing the medieval soul of the city is the Grote Markt which is lined by glorious guildhalls and a Brabo Fountain depicting the legend of giant killing.