- Address: Grote Markt, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Foundation date: 1887
- Sculptor: Joseph Lambo
One of the important cultural attractions of Antwerp in Belgium is the Brabo fountain, located on the central square of the Grote Markt. This fountain, which is a sculptural composition, is also a symbol of the city. Its appearance dates back to 1887, when a well-known Belgian artist and sculptor Joseph Lambo decided to perpetuate a folkloric character who performed a feat for the good of the people. Now the unusual nature of the Brabo fountain in Antwerp attracts a huge number of tourists.
The legend of the fountain
Belgians still keep the ancient tradition, which is connected with the foundation of the city and the appearance of the Brabo fountain. The legend says that once on the banks of the river Schelda was dominated by the evil giant Drone Antigonus. With all those who swam along the river or found themselves close to his castle, he collected a very high tribute. For those unfortunate people who refused to pay, the bloodthirsty Antigonus cut off his hand and threw it into the river. The giant for a long time kept everyone in awe, but the Roman soldier Sylvia Brabo won the battle with Antigonus. And as a trophy, Brabo cut off his hand and threw him into the Scheldt. "Nand werpen" is literally translated as "throwing an arm", hence the name of the city was formed. By the way, here, in Antwerp, there is another monument connected with the legend - the sculpture "Antigone's Palm" .
The uniqueness of the fountain
A feature of this unique sight is the lack of a swimming pool, which is typical of most such architectural designs. Joseph Lambaugh portrayed Brabo with the severed hand of a giant, from which a water fountain, symbolizing the blood, beats, and the water flows down to the foot of the sculpture and disappears between the stones, after which, once it enters the closed circuit, it is again fed upward. In addition to the warrior Brabo, depicted on the ship at the time of the throwing of the hand, at the foot of the fountain lies the body of the most spiteful Antigone, surrounded by sea creatures. The ship, which is a symbol of the navigation and prosperity of the city, is supported by two mermaids.
Since the severed hand of Antigone has become a popular symbol of the city, in Antwerp, any excursion includes a visit to such a famous landmark.
How to get to the sights?
Since the Brabo fountain is located in the very center of the Grote Markt square, it is not difficult to get to it. From the Antwerpen Suikerrui Steenplein public transport stop, along Ernest van Dijckkaai, you should walk to Suikerrui Street. From there, a little stroll to the east, you will get to the square where the legendary fountain of Brabo towers.
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