Antwerp, Brabo and historical house fronts - Stockfoto

Fanciful baroque touches to the gables and façades of the historical houses at the “Grote Markt” (Grand Place) in Antwerp, Belgium. In front of façades: the statue of Brabo. According to folklore, and as celebrated by the statue of Brabo, Antwerp got its name from a legend. A mythical giant called Antigoon, exacted a toll from those approaching the city, and for those who refused, he severed one of their hands and threw it into the river Scheldt. Eventually, the giant was slain by a young hero named Brabo, who cut off the giant's own hand and flung it into the river. Hence the name Antwerpen, from Dutch hand werpen—akin to Old English hand and wearpan (= to throw), that has changed to today's warp.