Burg Steen (The Stone)

The castle from its origin until today

The castle was built in the 13th century as part of the city walls. It served as a gateway to protect access to the city via the Scheldt. Important institutions such as the court of justice were located within the castle.

In 1520, the castle was rebuilt and extended under Charles V. His coat of arms can still be seen above the entrance to the former house chapel. In 1549, the building passed from Charles V to the city as a donation.

Until 1823 the castle served as a prison. The cross above the entrance still marks the place where condemned prisoners said their last prayers on the way to their execution. After it initially passed into private ownership five years later, the city bought the building back in 1842.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the Scheldt was widened at the level of the castle and the quays were rebuilt. In the process, parts of the fortress fell victim to the construction work. However, some parts of the historic building were preserved and have since been given the simple name of Het Steen (the Stone).

In 1864 the first museum was opened within the walls. This was replaced by the Maritime Museum in 1952. After this was moved to the Museum aan de Stroom, plans for the conversion of the castle were approved in 2017. A tourist reception centre with tourist information, a relaxation room, exhibitions and an adventure parkour telling the story of the city and the building will be created. A terminal for cruise ships is also to be realised.

The Long Wapper

In front of the castle, the statue of the Long Wapper towers into the sky. According to legend, this giant, who is said to have lived in the castle, is mainly on the move at night. Then he follows the drunkards on their way home. The Long Wapper is actually a small man, but he can grow to the size of a giant. The inhabitants of Antwerp found out that the Long Wapper could not stand images of the Virgin Mary. So they put them on their houses - this is how the origin of the many images of the Virgin Mary in the city is explained today - and drove the giant further and further away from the city centre. The giant fled towards the Scheldt, fell into the river and drowned.