Kipdorpsite, Antwerp Travel Guide

4.2 (30)

Explore Antwerp's historical gateway at Kipdorpsite, where 16th-century Spanish fortifications meet the modern city in an open-air heritage site.

Kipdorpsite is a historical landmark in Antwerp, featuring remnants of the 16th-century Spanish city walls. The site includes the Kipdorp Bridge, a bastion, and parts of the original fortifications, offering a glimpse into Antwerp's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Kipdorpsite

Italiëlei 2000, Antwerp, BE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kipdorpsite.

Explore the Kipdorpsite as part of a walk along the Leien, Antwerp's major boulevards, to discover more of the city's historical layers.
Visit the Felixatelier to view the expo and learn more about the archeological finds from the Kipdorpsite excavation.
Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Operaplein and the shopping street De Meir for a full Antwerp experience.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Cathedral of Our Lady

Het Steen

Brabo's Monument

De Ruien

Grote Markt - Large market

Explore Kipdorpsite on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kipdorpsite, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Antwerp Central Station, head west on De Keyserlei. Continue straight until you reach the Operaplein. Kipdorpsite is located on the Operaplein, easily accessible on foot. The walk is approximately 10 minutes and is free.
Public Transport

From Antwerp Central Station, take tram line 2 or 6 towards 'Harmonie'. Get off at the 'Meir' stop. Walk for about 10 minutes to reach Kipdorpsite on Italiëlei 2000. A single-ride ticket costs around €2.50.
Taxi

From Antwerp Central Station, a taxi to Kipdorpsite will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €11 and €15.

Discover more about Kipdorpsite

Kipdorpsite is a captivating historical site located in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium. This open-air landmark showcases the remnants of the city's 16th-century Spanish fortifications, providing a tangible link to Antwerp's past. The site features the excavated remains of the Kipdorp Bridge, a crucial access point to the city, along with a section of the bastion and the original city walls.Originally constructed between 1543 and 1548, the Kipdorp Gate was one of the main entrances to Antwerp, connecting the city to the Kempen region and northern Brabant. The gate was defended by a pentagonal bastion, an Italian invention, and accessed via a bridge across the city moat. This defensive structure played a significant role in Antwerp's history, including during the French Fury in 1583.In the 19th century, as Antwerp grew into a major world harbor, the fortifications were demolished to make way for expansion. The moats were filled, and boulevards (Leien) were built on top, burying the Kipdorp Bridge. However, during the construction of the Noorderlijn tram line between 2016 and 2019, the well-preserved remnants of the Kipdorpsite were rediscovered and excavated.Today, visitors can explore the restored Kipdorpsite, which has been integrated into the modern urban landscape. The site includes visible sections of the bridge's vaults and the casemate walls of the bastion. The excavation also revealed thousands of artifacts, including pottery, coins, and ammunition, providing insights into the daily life around Kipdorpsite throughout the centuries. The area is now an open-air site, allowing visitors to stroll through history and appreciate the architectural marvels that once defended the city.