Prepare to be transported to a whimsical era of opulence and innovation as we explore Zurenborg, Antwerp’s most architecturally dazzling district. This walk is a feast for the eyes, showcasing a stunning fusion of styles that feels like stepping into a beautiful, open-air museum.
As we wander, you’ll feel like you’ve been dropped into different eras and places. We will walk past grand structures that resemble ancient Greek temples and majestic city palaces, including streets like the Cogels-Osy Lei, where the sheer scale and grandeur are breathtaking. At one memorable point, you might genuinely pause and think, “Are we in France?”—a testament to the area’s eclectic international influences.
But Zurenborg’s true heart lies in its concentration of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture. We will marvel at the graceful, flowing lines, intricate ironwork, and symbolic façades that define this revolutionary late 19th-century style.
Crucially, we’ll uncover the human story behind this architectural dream. The district’s creation was a massive undertaking, and we’ll focus on the unlikely figure who managed it all: Louis Luyckx. How did this man make the leap from being a simple accountant to the powerful managing director of the company that developed this spectacular neighborhood? Discover the vision and determination that Luyckx possessed, which allowed him to successfully bring this unique, harmonious vision for the Belle Époque’s elite to life.
This tour is perfect for anyone who loves architecture, history, and stories of ambition and design.
Antwerp Guides 