The Antwerp Story
An interactive introduction to the city in an hour.
-wuppertaler — CC BY 4.0 · CEphoto, Uwe Aranas — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jean Housen — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Giles Laurent — CC BY-SA 4.0
Het Steen ("the Stone") is Antwerp's oldest building: a small castle of about 1200 on the bank of the Scheldt, the survivor of a larger medieval fortress demolished in the nineteenth century to widen the quays — a prison for centuries, then a maritime museum, reopened in 2021 as the city's visitor centre with an added modern wing and a new panoramic tower. Today it holds "The Antwerp Story" — an interactive experience explaining the city, its history, port and character in an hour, designed as an introduction for the new visitor — and the main tourist office. From its roof, a view over the river, old town and harbour. At its entrance stands the statue of the giant "Lange Wapper" (the Tall One) from local folklore. On the riverbank two minutes from the Grote Markt — a natural start to visiting Antwerp, and the departure point of the quayside stroll toward the MAS to the north.
An interactive introduction to the city in an hour.
The Scheldt and harbour from the castle roof.
The folklore giant's statue at the entrance.
Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerp
Eugeen Van Mieghem MuseumA small museum devoted to the Belgian painter Eugeen Van Mieghem (1875-1930), a 2 minutes walk4.3
De Ruien (Underground Antwerp)De Ruien is Antwerp hidden underground: the network of medieval canals and strea2 minutes walk4.1
Grote Markt and Brabo FountainThe Grote Markt is Antwerp's great square and historic heart: an irregular trian2 minutes walk4.5
DIVA Diamond and Jewellery MuseumDIVA is Antwerp's museum of diamonds, jewellery and silver — the world's diamond3 minutes walk4.2
Antwerp City HallAntwerp's City Hall is the first great Renaissance building in the Low Countries3 minutes walk4.6For the new visitor wanting to grasp Antwerp in an hour before wandering: yes, a good introduction, especially for families. For those who know the city or are short on time: the castle from outside, the roof and the tourist office suffice — then the quayside stroll. The castle itself is small; its value is its site and history.