Het Steen, Medieval fortress in Antwerp, Belgium
Built on the banks of the River Scheldt, Het Steen features stone walls, defensive towers, and a central courtyard measuring over 1000 square meters.
Constructed around 1200 as a gateway fortress, the structure served as a prison from 1303 to 1823, holding both common criminals and religious reformers.
The building displays a statue of Semini, a pre-Christian fertility deity, positioned above the main entrance arch, representing ancient local traditions.
The visitor center remains open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, offering multimedia exhibitions about Antwerp's history and providing tourist information services.
The castle retains only 5 percent of its original structure after the 1880s riverbank modifications, which removed large sections during the Scheldt River widening.
Location: Antwerp
Inception: 1200
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Address: 1,1A Steenplein 1 2000 Antwerpen
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
Phone: +3232336856
Website: https://youtu.be/75c0sckzYbg
GPS coordinates: 51.22278,4.39750
Latest update: August 17, 2025 18:49
A collection of museums, historical buildings, and cultural institutions in Antwerp, including religious architecture, art museums, and transport heritage sites.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
339 m
Antwerp City Hall
206 m
Grote Markt
242 m
St. Paul's Church
298 m
Brabo Fountain
193 m
Vleeshuis
117 m
Old Exchange
294 m
St Walburga Church
93 m
DIVA museum
193 m
Museum De Reede
114 m
Eugeen Van Mieghem Museum
143 m
Ruihuis
199 m
Sint-Julianusgasthuis
434 m
Koolvliet
297 m
Monument of The Tower Builder - Pieter Appelmans
365 m
Dock Labourer
237 m
Lange Wapper
39 m
Nello and Patrasche
316 m
Historisch Centrum
241 m
Vlaaikensgang
310 m
Our Lady Co-Redemptrix
248 m
Den Wolsack
296 m
De Poesje
98 m
Museum Vleeshuis
122 m
Dominicanenklooster
294 m
Scenic viewpoint
180 m
Traditioneel diephuis
331 m
Stadswoning
434 mReviews
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