Het Steen Castle

The oldest stone building in Antwerp. This is where the metropolis originated from a land bulge in the stream. Here people could easily moor boats. Building houses Visitor Center Antwerp. You can go here with all your questions.

The oldest stone building in Antwerp. Here the metropolis arose on a bulge of land in the stream. People could easily moor boats here. Building houses Visitor Center Antwerp. You can go here with all your questions.

All info can be found on the attached link: antwerpen.be/info/530b3e6baba8a717558b4569/stadswinkel-en-info-toerisme-op-1-plek

The centuries-old monument Het Steen will be thoroughly renovated. In 2021, Het Steen will be the gateway to Antwerp and will guide visitors through the past, present and future of this attraction. In the meantime, stroll past the building, take nice pictures and discover what will happen to the building in the future at the information point.

Het Steen is the oldest preserved building in Antwerp - after all, the first stones date back to the 11th century - and has fulfilled many functions over the centuries. It is located on the Scheldt at the height of the former Werf peninsula. In the 9th century, the first settlement with earthen walls appeared on the Werf. This is how a castle was created. Around the turn of the century between the 12th and 13th centuries, a stone castle wall was built here and the Steen, one of the castle's three gatehouses. Het Steen was thoroughly renovated under Charles V at the beginning of the 16th century. You can still see that in the color difference in the facade.

Until 1823 Het Steen was used as a prison. After Het Steen had briefly served as a home, sawmill and fish store, it opened its doors as a museum in 1862. First as the Museum of Antiquities and from 1952 to 2008 as the National Maritime Museum. Now you can admire that collection in the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom.

Het Steen is currently being thoroughly renovated. In 2021, the Steen will be the gateway to Antwerp and will serve as a cruise terminal, welcome center and interactive experience trail. Antwerp and its history are central to the experience center.

Be sure to walk along Het Steen when you visit Antwerp. You imagine yourself as a knight or lady in the castle decor: the perfect background for a fairytale photo on the Scheldt.