First I’ll admit I’m not very much into painters. So why I then decided to visit Rubenshuis, the former home of Peter Paul Rubens, in Antwerp, is quite the enigma. A bird had told me I had to visit, nothing more than that, somehow it swayed me. And if you’re into interior architecture, with a Renaissance flair, the Italian-style villa designed by Rubens himself, I think is going to appeal to you, as it did me. The facade of the building might not be very exciting, but the courtyard in the back holds up its end of the deal. That said, what really caught my attention was the garden. Don’t know why I liked it so much. I guess you can’t control what the heart wants. Just found it very relaxing. The house has been restored, very beautifully so, to show you the home he lived in, with paintings dispersed throughout. There’s also a permanent collection, for those who like to dive into his works.
Website: rubenshuis.be
We sadly didn’t make it here on our first visit but we love Belgium so much I’m sure we’ll visit Antwerp again! There was a lot we missed because it was just so rainy that day! Thanks so much for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Rainy days are never fun, anywhere. Antwerp is my favourite Belgian city, been there twice already 🙂
What a lovely garden. It reminds me a bit of a smaller version of the horticulture gardens in Florence. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Don’t know what a horticulture garden is and have never been to Florence, so had to google it, and, yes, I see the resemblance 🙂
The garden is just amazing! It would be interesting to see the collection of his works as well, in a place he actually lived. Had no idea he lived in Antwerp. I learned something 😉
#theweeklypostcard
The garden is not big, it’s almost what you see in the photo, but I still found it very peaceful. Could be because there were not many there, despite it being in the summer. There’s a few paintings spread throughout the house, but most are in a “regular” gallery.
Sounds lovely. I always love nice gardens, I think because I know I could never maintain one myself. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Haha 🙂 I don’t have a garden, but I’ve become more and more into it after having to take care of my mom’s garden.