Antwerp and surroundings 2011/2012 Belgium
Antwerp - Dutch: Antwerpen, French: Anvers - is a city and municipality in Belgium and the capital of the Antwerp province of Flanders. Antwerp's total population is 512,000 (as of 1 January 2013), making it the largest municipality in both Flanders and Belgium in terms of its population. Its total area is 204.51 km2, giving a population density of 2,308 inhabitants per km². The metropolitan area, including the outer commuter zone, covers an area of 1,449 km2 (559 sq mi) with a total of 1,190,769 inhabitants as of 1 January 2008.The French name of Antwerpen is Anvers; it may be found written this way on signposts in French-speaking parts of Belgium, and of course in French publications.
Antwerp is located on the right (eastern) bank of the river Scheldt, which is linked to the North Sea by the estuary Westerschelde. The city has one of the largest seaports in Europe. Antwerp has long been an important city in the Low Countries both economically and culturally, especially before the Spanish Fury (1576) in the period of the Dutch Revolt. The inhabitants of Antwerp are locally nicknamed Sinjoren, after the Spanish honorific señor or French seigneur, lord. It refers to the leading Spanish noblemen who ruled the city during the 17th century.
In the 16th century, Antwerp was noted for the wealth of its citizens (Antwerpia nummis); the houses of these wealthy merchants and manufacturers have been preserved throughout the city. However fire has destroyed several old buildings, such as the house of the Hanseatic League on the northern quays in 1891. The city also suffered considerable war damage by V-bombs, and in recent years other noteworthy buildings were demolished for new developments.
Antwerp had an artistic reputation in the 17th century, based on its school of painting, which included Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens, the two Teniers and many others.
The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS; Dutch for: Museum at the current) is a museum located in the Eilandje district of Antwerp, Belgium, opened in May 2011.
The 60 metre high MAS, was designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects. The façade is made of Indian red sandstone and curved glass panel construction. The MAS houses 470,000 objects, most of which are kept in storage. The first visitor's gallery is the visible store, which contains 180,000 items.
Borsbeek is a municipality located in Flanders, one of the three regions of Belgium, and in the Flemish province of Antwerp. The municipality only comprises the town of Borsbeek proper. On January 1, 2006 Borsbeek had a total population of 10,257. The total area is 3.92 km² which gives a population density of 2,617 inhabitants per km².
Fortress Antwerp was a defensive belt of fortifications built in two rings to defend Antwerp. In Borsbeek lies fort 3.