Water Gate

We are at Gillisplaats in the Zuid district, where the impressive Waterpoort still proudly stands. It was built in 1624 as a gateway from the Scheldt and as a triumphal arch in honor of King Philip IV. The design is attributed to Peter Paul Rubens, with skilled Antwerp sculptors bringing it to life.

Originally part of the city walls, the Waterpoort served as a passage between the river and the city. When the quays were straightened in the 19th century, the gate had to be moved. It was first relocated to Sint‑Jansvliet and then again in 1936 to its current site. This gave it the nickname the walking gate.

Today, the Waterpoort stands as a quiet monument in a modern district, a reminder of a time when the Scheldt was not only a lifeline for trade but also a place of royal splendor and civic pride.