Het Steen

Antwerpen, Belgium

---

Het Steen in Antwerpen, Belgium, is a historic medieval fortress built between 1200 and 1225, originally serving to control access to the River Scheldt and protect the city from invasions.

It is one of the oldest buildings in Antwerp and was part of the city’s early defensive structures. Throughout its long history, Het Steen has served multiple functions, including as a fortress, prison, and city hall. In the 19th century, much of the original structure was demolished, but the remaining parts, including the iconic entrance gate, have been preserved.

Today, Het Steen functions as a tourist and visitor center, offering exhibitions about the history of Antwerp, and also serves as the departure point for river cruises. Recent restoration efforts have aimed to balance preserving its historical aspects with modern use, making it a prominent cultural landmark and an ideal starting point for visitors exploring the city.