Handelsbeurs

Description

The "Handelsbeurs" of #Antwerpen (Antwerpen), opened in 1531, was the world's first purpose-built commodity exchange. Designed by Domien de Waghemakere in Brabantine gothic style, it featured a covered courtyard and inspired later exchanges like London's Royal Exchange. It became a major European trade hub during Antwerp's Golden Age. The building was damaged by fires in 1583 and 1858, and was rebuilt in 1872 in neo-gothic style by Joseph Schadde, using modern construction techniques like a metal framework.