The Castle

Right on the bank of the Scheldt, there's this castle (Het Steen), old as the city itself.

According to a legend, giant Druoon Antigoon lived in the castle with the towers. The same giant was said to have cut off the hands of all the captains who didn't pay his toll when crossing the Scheldt. But, Julius Caesar's nephew, Silvius Brabo, vanquished him 1 day and punished him the same way-he cut off the giant's right hand and threw it into the Scheldt.

Around 693 St. Willibrordus attempted to convert the population from here. In 830 the Vikings destroyed the fortress, although around 1520 the Steen was restored by the order of King Charles V. In the 18th century, the castle was used as a prison.

Address: Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerpen

Directions: next to the river, 2 minutes walk from the Market Square

Phone: + 32 (0)3-201 93 40