Art Nouveau : a stroll through the Zurenborg district, in Antwerp

In Antwerp, architects went all out during the construction of buildings in the elegant district of Zurenborg, during the 1900s. Indeed, not far from midtown, the Art Nouveau style decorates many facades. There are a great number of ceramic panels and mosaics in a Golden Triangle located between the Transvaal, Waterloo and Cogels-Osylei streets.

Anvers, a city under the sign of Art Nouveau

For a taste of this typical charm, thematic strolls enable to discover the important wealth of these stunning private mansions. 170 houses are classified as Historical Monuments, lavishly ornamented with neo-Greek, Gothic and Baroque adornments. They showcase exuberant decors, bow-windows with floral motifs and neo-Greek cariatides supporting the balconies.

The refinement of the Sunflower building and the ship figurehead bordering the mansion of the 5 Continents, are true entertainment. © DR

Each intricate detail expresses the work of artisans who elaborated these stylistic facades. © DR

The keen interest of investors

Considered as the most pleasant in the city of diamond dealers, the district of Zurenborg is bordered by calm and elegant arteries where palace architecture is at every street corner. But careful, apartment rentals and sales are very rare, since it's such a pleasure living here …

The oval shapes of the bow-windows recall the opulent hours of the Belle Epoque. © DR

Dating back to 1899, this ensemble of 4 houses, named Herfst, illustrates the four seasons. © DR