Marnix Square

We are standing on Marnixplaats, in the heart of Antwerp’s Zuid district. Here stands the Schelde Vrij monument, a powerful symbol of freedom and regained access to the river. It commemorates the moment in 1863 when Belgium bought off the last toll rights from the Netherlands and the Scheldt officially became free for international trade.

The monument features a monumental female figure personifying the Scheldt. She holds a broken chain as a sign of liberation. Around her are figures and allegories referring to trade, shipping, and prosperity. The artwork expresses how vital free access to the Scheldt was for Antwerp: without tolls, the port could once again grow into one of Europe’s largest.

Today, Marnixplaats is a lively square, but this monument reminds us of a turning point in the city’s history. Thanks to the “free Scheldt,” Antwerp regained its former glory as an international trading hub.