|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
City Park
Stadspark
Most
of Antwerp's parks can be found outside the city center.
The largest park in the center is the 14 hectare (35
acres) city park or stadspark. It is located in the
Jewish neighborhood, not far from the Central
Station.
When
the large fortifications around Antwerp were built between
1860 and 1865, the Spanish fortifications had become
redundant. Among those military fortifications was the
Fort Herentals.
From 1867 to 1869, this fort's triangular domain was
converted into a park by the Antwerp architect and city
council member E. Van Cuyck.
The park was laid out in English style after a design
by the landscape architect E. Keilig.
The
city park's pond partly traces the former fort's moat.
Due to the construction of Antwerp's subway in the eighties
and the many garages built underground, the water level
had dropped significantly, giving the impression of
a neglected park. Fortunately
it seems to be under control now.
In 1869, a white painted pedestrian bridge was constructed
over the pond. The iron suspension bridge is integrated
into artificial rock masses on each side. It is one
of the few elevated areas in the city.
The city park also features a playground, a large WWI
monument, a number of statues and even a WWII bunker.
You also find a very wide variety of greenery, from
yew trees, American linden and cypresses to a Japanese
walnut tree. Unfortunately the city park is too small
to muffle the city noise or hide the view on apartment
buildings. Nevertheless, it is a favorite place for
joggers, walkers, mothers with children, rollerbladers
and duck-feeding elderly.
The park is always open, although it is recommended
to visit the park during daylight.
|
Tools
|
|
|
|
|
|
|