Located beside the River Scheldt, Het Steen is Antwerp's oldest surviving building and a historic fortress gateway. Originally built as part of the city's medieval defences, it protected one of Europe's most important trading ports.
Located beside the River Scheldt, Het Steen is Antwerp's oldest surviving building and a historic fortress gateway. Originally built as part of the city's medieval defences, it protected one of Europe's most important trading ports. The castle has served many purposes over the centuries, including fortress, prison and museum. Today it provides visitors with an insight into Antwerp's maritime history and the importance of the river trade. While smaller than Belgium's great countryside castles, Het Steen represents the connection between castles, commerce and the growth of medieval cities.
