Grote Markt, Antwerpen, Belgium

The Statue of Brabo and the giant’s hand is located in the middle of the ‘Grote Markt.’ The statue was made by sculptor Jef Lambeaux in 1887. Photo by Ph.viny. A mythical giant named Antigoon lived by Scheldt river and demanded a toll from all those who crossed the river. If anyone refused to pay, Antigoon would sever one of their hands and throw it into the river. One day, Brabo, a brave young soldier, cut off the giant’s hand and tossed it in the river. Hence the name Antwerpen was derived from Dutch words that mean “to throw a hand.” Another theory was that the name of Antwerp was derived from “anda” (at) and “werpum” (wharf.) The name Antwerp literally means “at the wharf” (aan het werf).