Pelikaanstraat (Pelikan Street) and Diamond District, Antwerp
The Pelikan Street (Pelikaanstraat) and the Diamond District in Antwerp, serve as the heart of the global diamond trade, a distinction that dates back to the second half of the 19th century. This area is not only critical for its economic contributions but also stands out for its architectural beauty, showcasing picturesque buildings in Art Nouveau and eclectic styles.
Antwerp鈥檚 association with diamonds dates back to the 15th century and was revolutionized in the later years by Lodewyk van Berken's invention of the scaif鈥攁 diamond polishing tool. This innovation enabled the creation of the sparkling, multifaceted diamonds that became synonymous with European nobility, enhancing Antwerp's status in the diamond world. Notably, Charles the Bold commissioned van Berken to cut and polish the famed Florentine Diamond.
By the 1890s, a robust diamond industry had been established in Antwerp by families of diamond traders and manufacturers, many of whom migrated from Amsterdam. This industry thrived and evolved into what is now known as the Diamond Quarter or Diamantkwartier, also dubbed the Square Mile. This area encompasses several square blocks around the central station and is a short walk from Meir, Antwerp鈥檚 principal shopping street.
Historically, the district processed a significant portion of the world's diamonds, with about 84% of all rough diamonds passing through as of 2012, despite much of the cutting and polishing work having moved to lower-wage centers globally. Remarkably, around 50% of rough diamonds return to Antwerp for processing, evidencing its continued importance in the global diamond trade, which sees a turnover of approximately 54 billion dollars.
The Diamond District is notably multicultural, with a diverse population of Jewish, Jain Indians, Maronite Christian Lebanese, and Armenian dealers, known collectively as diamantaires. More than 80% of Antwerp's Jewish community is employed in this trade, and historically, Yiddish was the primary language of the diamond exchanges. Business activities in the district pause on Saturdays, respecting the Jewish Sabbath.
In addition to its economic and cultural significance, the district is also a vibrant area filled with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, catering to the diverse crowd that the diamond trade attracts. This makes the Diamond District not only a global hub for diamond trading but also a lively community and tourist attraction.
Antwerp鈥檚 association with diamonds dates back to the 15th century and was revolutionized in the later years by Lodewyk van Berken's invention of the scaif鈥攁 diamond polishing tool. This innovation enabled the creation of the sparkling, multifaceted diamonds that became synonymous with European nobility, enhancing Antwerp's status in the diamond world. Notably, Charles the Bold commissioned van Berken to cut and polish the famed Florentine Diamond.
By the 1890s, a robust diamond industry had been established in Antwerp by families of diamond traders and manufacturers, many of whom migrated from Amsterdam. This industry thrived and evolved into what is now known as the Diamond Quarter or Diamantkwartier, also dubbed the Square Mile. This area encompasses several square blocks around the central station and is a short walk from Meir, Antwerp鈥檚 principal shopping street.
Historically, the district processed a significant portion of the world's diamonds, with about 84% of all rough diamonds passing through as of 2012, despite much of the cutting and polishing work having moved to lower-wage centers globally. Remarkably, around 50% of rough diamonds return to Antwerp for processing, evidencing its continued importance in the global diamond trade, which sees a turnover of approximately 54 billion dollars.
The Diamond District is notably multicultural, with a diverse population of Jewish, Jain Indians, Maronite Christian Lebanese, and Armenian dealers, known collectively as diamantaires. More than 80% of Antwerp's Jewish community is employed in this trade, and historically, Yiddish was the primary language of the diamond exchanges. Business activities in the district pause on Saturdays, respecting the Jewish Sabbath.
In addition to its economic and cultural significance, the district is also a vibrant area filled with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, catering to the diverse crowd that the diamond trade attracts. This makes the Diamond District not only a global hub for diamond trading but also a lively community and tourist attraction.
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Pelikaanstraat (Pelikan Street) and Diamond District on Map
Sight Name: Pelikaanstraat (Pelikan Street) and Diamond District
Sight Location: Antwerp, Belgium (See walking tours in Antwerp)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Antwerp, Belgium (See walking tours in Antwerp)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Antwerp, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Antwerp
Creating your own self-guided walk in Antwerp is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Antwerp Historic Center Walk
Antwerp is a bustling metropolis, replete with modern entertainment, yet it is the centuries-old city center that fuels tourists' interest the most. Indeed, downtown Antwerp is steeped in history. So much so, in fact, that to see all that it has to offer, you'll need way more than one day.
Here history awaits you practically round every corner 鈥� seen in the ancient building-fronts... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Here history awaits you practically round every corner 鈥� seen in the ancient building-fronts... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Antwerp's Historical Churches Tour
Antwerp, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts an array of historical churches that stand as testaments to its past.
Reigning supreme among them is the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning 14th-century Gothic masterpiece. Its towering spire dominates the city skyline and houses invaluable artworks by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Reigning supreme among them is the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning 14th-century Gothic masterpiece. Its towering spire dominates the city skyline and houses invaluable artworks by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Antwerp Introduction Walking Tour
A major city-port on the River Scheldt in Belgium, Antwerp is known primarily as the diamond capital of Europe. For centuries, Antwerp's Diamond District has been the center of diamond trade, with thousands of dealers, cutters and polishers processing 85% of the world's rough diamonds each year.
Historical Antwerp has its origins in a Gallo-Roman settlement, first mentioned in the 4th... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Antwerp has its origins in a Gallo-Roman settlement, first mentioned in the 4th... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles