Wapper
The Wapper is a place in the Belgian city of Antwerp . It is located between the Meir , one of Antwerp's major shopping streets, and the city theater . The Wapper owes its particular fame to the Rubens House , which is located on the Wapper. The course was created in 1972.
history
In 1490, a canal was built in the middle of today's coat of arms, which was supposed to provide drinking water in Antwerp, as the Scheldt contained salt water due to the tidal range of the tides . In the first half of the 16th century, the canal was covered. In 1819 the canal was finally completely covered. In the meantime, the first rows of houses were built on the already covered parts of the canal. The most famous of these houses is the Geleyhuis from 1545.
In the years 1966–1969, the entire row of houses was razed, dividing the Wapper into two streets. The reason for the demolition was the planned construction of a main access route between the Ring of Antwerp and the Meir, which was also to be expanded into a motorway from Turnhout to Antwerp. However, these plans were discarded in 1972 and the square was laid out in the form it still looks today.
bibliography
- Antoon van Ruyssevelt: Stadsbeelden Antwerp. A gids-inventaris van de beelden en de monuments . Stad, Antwerp 2001, ISBN 90-76222-09-6 .
Web links
Coordinates: 51 ° 13 ′ 2.1 " N , 4 ° 24 ′ 32.4" E