Antwerp: Diamondcentre
Antwerp is one of the major economic centers in the north of Belgium. It has the biggest harbour of Belgium and is an important distribution center of goods throughout Europe. Antwerp is of course even better known as the world's leading diamondcentre. Antwerp became fully grown during the 16th century during the decline of Bruges due to the closing of the Zwin ( the waterway that connected Bruges to the sea ).
At the end of the 15th century bit by bit all important trading houses were replaced from Bruges to Antwerp and Antwerp became for a short period of time the leading power of the entire international economy.
During the years 1500-1550 Antwerp became the second largest European city norht of the Alpes. At the end of the 16th century Amsterdam came up as new world center and Antwerp lost most of its power to the golden age of the Dutch Republic.
The famous Grand Place and city hall still remind of the times were Antwerp was the centre of the world. Antwerp is absolutely worth a visit as it has a great history and still plays a leading rol in diamond trading.