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The moated castle is a remarkable 16th-century building on the outskirts of Ekeren.

The Schoon Verdiep is located in the City Hall, which has a rich history. The City Hall is a Renaissance building, designed by the architect Cornelis Floris De Vriendt. It was built between 1561 and 1564. The name 'Schoon Verdiep' is a literal translation of the French 'bel-etage' (single floor). A bel-etage is the main floor of a building that is located on the first floor rather than the ground floor. The most evocative room in the Schoon Verdiep is 'The Mayor's Office'. This is the office of the Mayor of Antwerp. Striking features of this room include the beautiful mantelpiece, the gold leather wallpaper, and the portraits of former mayors. The 'Trouwzaal' (Wedding Room) is the largest room in the City Hall. For over 130 years, the people of Antwerp have exchanged vows here. Previously, the room served as a reception room for heads of state and governors. "De Wandelzaal" (The Walking Room) is a highly diverse space. Noteworthy features include the stained-glass windows and the large porcelain vases. The College Hall is where the city council meets. Eye-catching features of this room include the paintings, the balcony, and the beautiful carved wood mantelpiece. The city council meets in the Council Chamber. Here, the majority and opposition sit opposite each other, and debate the city's governance. Copper panels adorn the walls of the Council Chamber, listing the names of Antwerp's mayors over the centuries. The "Kleine Leyszaal" (Small Leys Room) now serves as the landing between the Leyszaal and the Wedding Hall, but was once a staircase to the ground floor. In 1861, painter Hendrik Leys was commissioned to create murals in "De Leyszaal." Together with city archivist Pieter Génard, he devised a truly unique scenario. Above the doors were placed portraits of dukes and princes who had granted Antwerp significant favors and liberties. The large scenes on the walls illustrate the city's acquired liberties before 1794. Receptions and gatherings are regularly held in the Leyszaal.

A hesitant boat...

A beautiful piece of history

Every hour and every half hour

Perhaps you've already spotted a small tower from afar, proudly rising above the greenery and the Rupeldijk. The tower belongs to Den Bocht Castle, situated in a bend in the Rupel River. However, this small castle wasn't the first structure on this site. A 16th-century map already shows two moated farms: De Bocht Farm and the old stone fortress Steendere, which some even believe dates back to Roman times. Remnants of this can be recognized as a large body of water just behind the Rupeldijk.

Klein-Willebroek is a picturesque hamlet in the municipality of Willebroek, located north of the village center, separated by the Brussels-Scheldt Sea Canal. The area, enclosed by water and industry, is known for its island status, historical features such as the Sasplein, and a World War II tank memorial commemorating the liberation of Antwerp.

a crossing over the Rupel every half hour