Brabo Fountain Antwerp: The City’s Legendary Hand-Tossing Hero
Brabo Fountain Antwerp is a must-see landmark that brings to life the city’s legendary hand-tossing hero in the heart of the historic Grote Markt.
The Legend Behind the Statue
According to local legend, a giant named Antigoon once terrorized ships on the Scheldt River, demanding a toll from those who passed. If sailors refused to pay, the giant would cut off their hands and toss them into the river.
Enter the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo, who bravely defeated the giant, sliced off his hand, and flung it into the river as a warning to other would-be tyrants. This dramatic act is immortalized in the Brabo Fountain, where Brabo is shown mid-toss — hand held high — in a theatrical display that has become an enduring symbol of the city.
Learn more about the Brabo Fountain on the official Visit Antwerp website.
The Meaning Behind “Antwerp”
The story even gives rise to the name Antwerpen, often believed to derive from the Dutch words hand werpen, meaning “to throw a hand.” While linguists might debate the etymology, the legend lives on proudly in stone and bronze at the heart of the city.
Artistic Drama in the Grote Markt
Created in 1887 by sculptor Jef Lambeaux, the fountain is a marvel of dynamic movement and detailed craftsmanship. It’s framed by 16th-century guildhalls, the opulent façade of the City Hall, and often, a bustling crowd of admiring visitors. When the light hits just right, the entire square seems to glow — and the Brabo Fountain becomes the perfect centerpiece for a photograph or quiet moment of reflection.
Tips for Visiting
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and smaller crowds.
- Nearby stops: Enjoy a Belgian beer or hot chocolate at a nearby café while gazing at the square. The Neuhaus and Mary’s Chocolate boutiques are just steps away.
- Photo tip: Stand in front of the fountain with the City Hall in the background for a perfect postcard shot.
Part of Our Journey With Tauck
Our Tauck tour guide brought us to this legendary statue during our Tauck river cruise through Belgium and Holland. After arriving in Antwerp by way of the Scheldt River, the Grote Markt was one of our first stops — and the Brabo Fountain immediately captured our attention with its rich story and commanding presence.
It’s moments like these that make river cruising through Europe such a delight: history, culture, and beauty all await exploration just steps from the ship.
See More from Our Journey:
This experience was part of our recent Tauck river cruise through Belgium and Holland.
To see all of our daily highlights, reflections, and photos, visit our full cruise landing page here.
For more information or to book a Tauck river cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
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