Antwerp has been a focus of the diamond trade for several centuries. The largest diamond center in the world.
Antwerp’s diamond district or the Diamond Quarter: An area within the city of Antwerp, several square blocks (one square mile). 84% of the world’s rough diamonds passed through the district, making it the largest diamond center in the world with a turnover of 54 billion dollars Dominated by Jewish and Indian diamantaires.
Venice is divided into six areas or “sestiere”: Cannaregio, San Polo, Dorsoduro (including the Giudecca and Isola Sacca Fisola), Santa Croce, San Marco (including San Giorgio Maggiore) and Castello (including San Pietro di Castello and Sant’Elena).
The art of polishing diamonds was invented in Antwerp, Belgium, hence the ‘Antwerp Cut’ has become internationally synonymous with quality and brilliance. With 80% of the world’s rough diamonds, 50% of the cut diamonds and 45% of industrial diamonds going through Antwerp. Today 1.800 dealers line the 1 square kilometer around the Central Station in the Diamond district.
Barri Gòtic or El Gòtic is the centre of the old city. Stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere. Many of the buildings date from Medieval times. Remains of Roman Wall, the medieval Jewish quarter (El Call), many small streets opening out into squares. Budget hotels near Barri Gotic ? Best price guaranteed