- Address: Steenplein 1, 2000 Antwerpen, België
- Phone: +32 3 202 83 80
- Website: hetsteenisopen.be
- Foundation date: 13th century
- Working hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10-00 to 17-00
- Cost of visiting: 4 euros
The Castle of Sten is located in Antwerp , or rather is part of the city wall. The Castle of Sten was built in 1200 in order to control the Scheldt River, with which Vikings could come, who at that time often made pirate raids on the city. The word steen means "stone", so the title reflects that the castle was the very first stone structure in Antwerp - all the other buildings were still wooden. True, some researchers believe that in the XIII century the castle was already being completed, and the first buildings were completed in the 9th century by the Normans.
General information
To this day, the castle of Sten has not been preserved completely - once it occupied a much larger area, was surrounded on all sides by defensive walls. Today, from only a few "internal streets" there was only one courtyard - a significant part of the buildings were demolished when the city administration decided to expand and straighten the riverbed.
Before that, the castle was also rebuilt several times. The most serious of its reorganization was made during the reign of King Charles V of Habsburg, in 1520: it was considerably completed, and today it is possible to see which "dodels" were executed later - the older stone differs in dark color. In general, now the preserved part of the castle looks exactly as it looked after this perestroika. The authors of the castle project were the architects de Vagemarke and Keldermans.
Castle today
At the entrance to the Castle of Sten you will be met by a statue of Long Wapper - the hero of urban folklore. It is believed that the Long Wapper frightened the townspeople, turning into a giant or a dwarf. The sculpture was installed in 1963.
Going to the gate, you will see a small bas-relief, located above them and depicting the pagan god Semini. This god of youth and fertility "responsible" for the growth of the population of Antwerp then - childless women came to bas-relief praying for the granting of heirs. Semini was considered the ancestor of the tribe, which founded here a settlement that grew to the city. The bas-relief was badly damaged - in 1587 it was damaged by a religious fanatic, a monk of the Jesuit order. The former military chapel is decorated with the gilded coat of arms of King Charles V. In the castle itself you can see collections of antique furniture and utensils.
Also in the park is a monument to Canadian soldiers who participated in the Second World War.
How and when to look at Castle Walls?
To reach one of the most beautiful castles in Belgium is very simple - it is only 300 meters from the famous Grote Markt. You can reach it by buses 30 and 86, the stop on which you should go is called Antwerpen Suikerrui Steenplein. The castle takes visitors daily, except Mondays, from 10-00 to 17-00. The visit will cost you 4 euro.
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