The Castle of the Walls (Het Steen) is not just a building, but a symbol of Antwerp and the oldest surviving building in the city, which is about 800 years old. Its name translates from Dutch as "stone", which emphasizes its uniqueness at the time of construction: unlike wooden buildings of that time, it was the first large stone fortress. Here are the key stages of its long history: · The Middle Ages and defense (since 1200): The castle was built in the early 13th century to control navigation on the Scheldt River. Initially, it was a powerful gate as part of a huge complex of defensive walls. · Prison (14th–19th centuries): For almost 500 years, from 1303 to 1827, the castle walls were used as a city prison, which left a dark imprint on its history. · Destruction (19th century): In the 19th century, the city authorities decided to straighten the Scheldt riverbed to combat shallowing. For this, the old quarters and more than 500 buildings of the fortress were demolished. The castle itself miraculously survived, but only a fragment of its former grandeur remained. · Museum and Modernity: In 1952-2008, the National Maritime Museum was located here (its collection of ships is still visible on the embankment). Today, after extensive restoration of the Walls, it has been transformed into a modern tourist and visitor center. Despite the severe destruction, this place has a unique charm. Pay attention to the details: · Architectural "layer cake": The castle walls clearly show its age. The dark stone foundation dates back to the 13th century, while the light—colored sandstone upper part is an extension from the time of Emperor Charles V (circa 1520). · Pagan bas—relief: Above the main gate, you can see a small bas-relief sculpture of the god of fertility Semini. According to legend, he was the ancestor of the inhabitants of Antwerp. Pay attention to the detail: in the 17th century, the Jesuit monks took away the phallus from the statue, considering it too indecent. · Monument to the Giant: Next to the entrance, you will be greeted by a bronze statue of Long Wapper, the hero of local legends. It was said that this giant spirit grew to the skies to frighten and punish drunkards returning home late at night.

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