Het Steen, Antwerp, Belgium

Het Steen is a medieval fortress in the old city centre of Antwerp. Built after the Viking incursions in the early Middle Ages as the first stone fortress of Antwerp, Het Steen is Antwerp's oldest building and used to be its oldest urban centre.

Previously known as Antwerpen Burcht (fortress), Het Steen gained its current name in around 1520, after significant rebuilding under Charles V. The fortress made it possible to control the access to the Scheldt, the river on whose bank it stands. It was used as a prison between 1303 and 1827. The largest part of the fortress, including dozens of historic houses and the oldest church of the city, was demolished in the 19th century when the quays were straightened to stop the silting up of the Scheldt. The remaining building, heavily changed, contains a shipping museum, with some old canal barges displayed on the quay outside.

In 1890 Het Steen became the museum of archeology and in 1952 an annex was added to house the museum of Antwerp maritime history, which in 2011 moved to the nearby Museum Aan de Stroom. Here you’ll also find a war memorial to the Canadian soldiers in WWII.

There are some beautiful plaques on the back side of the Steen Castle at Antwerp. Canadian visitors will especially want to see the plaques thanking the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry for their part in the liberation of Antwerp, in 1944.

At the entrance to Het Steen is a bas-relief of Semini, above the archway, around 2nd century. Semini is the Scandinavian God of youth and fertility (with symbolic phallus). A historical plaque near Het Steen explains that women of the town appealed to Semini when they desired children; the god was reviled by later religious clergy. Inhabitants of Antwerp previously referred to themselves as 'children of Semini'.

At the entrance bridge to the castle is a statue of a giant and two humans. It depicts the giant Lange Wapper who used to terrorise the inhabitants of the city in medieval times.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Muhamed Nayal (2 years ago)
Antwerp's Het Steen isn't your average castle. This mighty 13th-century fortress, guarding the Scheldt like a stone sentinel, whispers tales of pirates, torture chambers, and maritime glory. Explore its ramparts, peek into the dungeon (if you dare!), and soak in panoramic city views before grabbing a drink at the riverside bar. History buffs and casual sightseers alike will be charmed by Het Steen's unique blend of grit and grandeur.

Gloria Lau (2 years ago)
Nice castle/fortress that lets you walk inside - theres not much to see as only part of the castle remains and is converted into a tourist info center / gift shop. Since it is within the touristy area, I think it is worth passing by, but if you are making a special detour to see it, I think it can be skipped. There is no fee to enter.

Chiquita Maria (2 years ago)
Very nice building, right on the water with a good museum inside and a viewing area on the roof. Good view of the surrounding area, the ferries wheel and historical buildings. Inside it features very modern sleek design. Outside it's rustic and robust medieval fortress style, beautiful during the day and at night. Enjoyed it.

YI-Wen Huang (2 years ago)
The castle is not big but beautiful, and the environment is well maintained. It is a historic building. On weekdays, there are no special people. There is an observation deck on the top floor to see the surrounding scenery, and there are souvenirs to buy indoors. You don't need to buy tickets to enter the castle, but there are also areas where you can buy tickets to understand the history there

Niliam Joy (2 years ago)
An astounding breathtaking remains of a medieval castle in the city center of Antwerp. Don't miss to visit and have an instagramable pose

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