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Castle · Antuérpia, Antuérpia
Het Steen
Small medieval castle on the banks of the Escalda, the oldest building in Antuérpia. It houses the city's visitor centre and the interactive Antwerp Story exhibition.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Het Steen
Het Steen is what remains of a much larger castle of the dukes of Brabant, which was demolished in the 19th century. The part that survived was built between 1200 and 1225 as an entrance gate and is the oldest building in the city. The name, which means "the stone", comes from a reconstruction around 1520, in the time of Charles V.
Over the centuries the building served as a courthouse, residence of magistrates and a prison, from 1303 to 1827. In 1890 it became an archaeology museum and later a maritime history museum. That collection was transferred to the MAS, in the Eilandje district.
The castle underwent a major renovation and gained a modern concrete annex. Today it houses the Antuérpia visitor centre, with tourist information on the ground floor. The Antwerp Story exhibition tells the city's history in interactive rooms, and a terrace at the top opens onto the river.
At the bridge entrance stands the statue of Lange Wapper, a giant from Flemish folklore who, according to the stories, frightened the townspeople at night. Outside, on the quay, old canal boats are displayed.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour for the courtyard, the terrace and the quay. Add 20 to 30 minutes if you plan to see the Antwerp Story exhibition.
Best time
At the start of your visit to Antuérpia, to pick up maps and information at the visitor centre. In the late afternoon the light over the Escalda is good for photos of the quay.
How to get there
It is on the riverbank, about 300 metres from the Grote Markt, down Suikerrui street. From Antwerpen-Centraal station it's roughly a 30-minute walk or a pre-metro ride to Groenplaats and a few more minutes on foot.
Tip
Start here to pick up maps and get information. Then walk along the elevated promenade beside the Escalda northwards to the Eilandje neighbourhood and the MAS.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Het Steen
Who is Lange Wapper?
A giant from Flemish folklore. His statue, next to two human figures, stands at the entrance of Het Steen.
Is Het Steen still a museum?
Today it is Antwerp’s visitor centre, with tourist information and the exhibition Antwerp Story, which tells the city’s history.
What is nearby?
The Grote Markt is a few minutes’ walk away. Following the river north brings you to the Eilandje neighborhood and the MAS.