Conclusion: An absolute must-do!
On Sunday, September 30th, a group of about 12 friends and I were expertly guided through Antwerp’s Zurenborg district. Annick from Antwerp Guides met us at Draakplaats and immediately set off along the majestic Cogels-Osy Lei. She explained that the wealthy Cogels and Osy families inherited the land of the Zurenborg farm, which got its name from the waterlogged, “sour” (zure) soil it was built upon.
Our guide told us how these families established the Société Anonyme pour la Construction de Maisons Bourgeoises (Public Limited Company for the Construction of Bourgeois Houses) in 1886. The initial plan to create an industrial park was quickly abandoned in favor of building rental homes for affluent, Catholic citizens. Annick pointed out the unique ‘unity in diversity’ of these prestigious buildings, designed by various architects. We frequently stopped to admire the architectural variety, which ranged from Neoclassicism and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) to many eclectic mixed forms.
The tour wasn’t limited to the famous Cogels-Osy Lei; we explored the entire neighborhood. At every turn, we were surprised by the enormous, playful variation in style concepts, yet Zurenborg still ensures an cohesive, eclectic overall feel. Our guide strongly highlighted the pivotal role of Louis Luyckx, the project’s ‘accountant,’ who brought this unique development to life for the happy few of the Belle Époque.
Crucially, we were not overwhelmed with the names of architects or construction details. Instead, we were encouraged to focus on what interested us personally and ask for explanations on those specific aspects.
Antwerp Guides 