An International Journey in Antwerp

Training, Creating, and Connecting in the Heart of Belgium

In 2019, I visited Belgium, and after being in Bruges, I went to Antwerp, where I participated in a training organised by SCI (Service Civil International) named ABCD: Art for Balanced and Cultural Diversity. This training focused on using art to promote inclusion and the value of diversity. We were an international group with participants from 9 different countries. The training was 10 days long and a great experience for me; I learned a lot and met great people.

Our free time was mainly in the evening, so that was the time when we could discover the city, which is why many of my pictures were taken at night. In that part of the day, the buildings are softly lit, the bars hum with conversations, and the air carries the warm scent of waffles and fries.

Tucked in the northern part of Belgium, Antwerp is a city that blends rich history with modern creativity. Known globally as the diamond capital of the world, this port city sparkles not just with precious stones but also with culture, fashion, and art.

Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city and a vibrant cultural hub in the Flemish region. Once one of Europe’s most important trading ports, Antwerp today combines medieval charm with modern creativity, from Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance squares to cutting-edge museums and stylish boutiques. It’s a city where old-world elegance meets contemporary edge, all wrapped up in a laid-back, walkable atmosphere.

On the first night, walking on the way to the old town, we randomly found a band performing in the street. We had no idea who they were, just a group of musicians taking over the street with energy and rhythm. We immediately started to dance, and it felt spontaneous, joyful, and a little magical, the kind of moment you can’t plan. It was such a lovely way to start our adventure in Antwerp, with music in the air and the city already surprising us.

Antwerp’s Old Town feels like stepping into a painting, not surprising in a city that was once home to Rubens himself. Centred around the Grote Markt, the medieval heart of the city is a maze of narrow, winding alleys, gabled facades, and centuries of stories layered in stone.

The Grote Markt (Main Square) is ornate with guild houses, each crowned with golden statues, and the imposing Stadhuis (City Hall), which is one of the most photogenic spots in Belgium. Framed by Renaissance guild houses and lively cafés, this historic square feels like the city’s living room, where past and present meet.

The City Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built in the 16th century. It blends Flemish and Italian Renaissance styles, a visual reminder of the city's wealth and international connections.

Right in the middle of the square stands the Brabo Fountain, telling the legend of the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo, who defeated a cruel giant who terrorised the river. According to the myth, Brabo cut off the giant’s hand and threw it into the Scheldt River. The statue captures the moment mid-throw, wild and heroic, with water spraying out in all directions.

From the square, it’s just a few steps to the breathtaking Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece that took nearly 170 years to complete. The church tower rises above the rooftops, visible from almost anywhere in the old town, a steady landmark in a tangle of charming streets.

But the magic of Antwerp’s old town isn’t just in the monuments, it’s in the atmosphere. Cafés spill onto cobblestones, locals bike past medieval doorways, and shop windows glow with chocolate, lace, and antiques. Street musicians play under lantern-lit arches, and every corner reveals another pocket of history.

On another occasion, we went to visit a landmark outside the old town, the MAS Museum. This bold, modern building doesn’t just house Antwerp’s stories; it is a symbol of the city’s identity, proudly linking past, present, and future.

Opened in 2011 in the old port district of Eilandje, inside, each floor unravels a different layer of the city’s global connections, from shipping and trade to religion, migration, and power.

We went there not for the museum itself but for the rooftop, the escalator ride up the spiralling glass walls leads to a free panoramic terrace. From up there, you get sweeping views of the city, the docks, the cathedral spire, and the winding Scheldt. We visited at sunset, and it was truly magical. It was lovely to see people relaxing with drinks, lying down, and enjoying the view.

The training program was composed of theory, practice, and production. During the practice part, we tried tools like the Theatre of the Oppressed, Impro-theatre, rap, dance, music, and video.

For the production phase, we were divided into five groups and we had to develop a creative action through which we tried to voice up a story or a problematic situation we faced around ourselves, our peers and our target groups. We ended the training in Park Spoor Noord, where we performed our creative actions to bring up a social issue and engage with the public.

For me, it was a completely new experience. Coming from a background as a scientist, I wasn’t used to expressing ideas in such a creative, public way. But I genuinely enjoyed it, I learned a lot, challenged myself, and discovered new forms of communication. It felt unique, inspiring, and definitely opened my mind to different ways of creating impact.

The morning after, we left Antwerp in the direction of Brussels by train, and this was the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful railway stations I’ve ever seen. Antwerp Central Station is a breathtaking blend of grandeur, symmetry, and steel.

Built between 1895 and 1905, the station is a showpiece of eclectic architecture, mixing neo-Baroque, Art Nouveau, and industrial design. The main hall, with its soaring dome, marble columns, and gold details, looks more like a royal palace than a transport hub. Stand in the middle and look up, the ceiling feels infinite, and the light pours in like it’s blessing every journey.

Unfortunately, I have only these bad pictures taken with my old phone, and I can’t show you how beautiful this station is, but at least you can have an idea. If you are going to Antwerp, plan to arrive by train.

I went to Brussels with three other participants, and we spent a day there hosted by a local from Couchsurfing, but this is material for another post.

See you soon,

Flavio