Castle (Steen), fot. Marc Bryndza

Castle (Steen) - this oldest building in Antwerp, lies on the shores of Scheldt, near the former peninsula named De Werf (shipyard). The castle stands on the site of fortifications dating from the ninth century, which were the beginning of the rest of the city. Of course, over the centuries Steen has been rebuilt many times. The only thing that has survived to our times is the entrance gate and the front part.

In the 1302 year, the castle lost its military function and was used as a prison from 1823 a year. Then there was a sawmill, as well as a fish warehouse. From the 1862 year the castle served as a museum. Initially as the Museum of Antiquities, and then, in 1952-2008, as the National Maritime Museum.  

It is easy to notice the difference in colors between the medieval gray stone and the 16th-century sandstone, which is the result of repeated rebuilding of the stronghold. Going towards the castle, one passes a giant statue called the Lange Wapper. This is an extraordinary folk hero, as the legend calls of a semi-deceiver, a semi-peeper, who, despite his sympathy for children, was using his height to looking into other people's bedrooms.

Address 

Steenplein 1 Antwerpen

Opening hours:

wednesday-sunday 12.00-18.00

Ticket price:

Free entrance