Fortified settlement

As early as the 9th century, there was a fortified settlement near the present-day Het Steen, consisting of wooden buildings, an earthen wall and a moat. That’s over 1,100 years ago! This was a turbulent period for the entire region. The first stone city walls were built in the 11th century. You can still see the Tournai limestone that was used for this in the substructure of Het Steen. Het Steen was in fact part of a larger fortress, which has since disappeared, serving as one of the entrances. The old castle wall that you can still see at Het Steen today dates from the 11th-12th century.

The world’s first stock exchange

In his recently published and widely praised book “Antwerp: The Glory Years”, the British author Michael Pye explains in detail how sensational 16th century Antwerp was, the New York of its time. The city was a successful international metropolis and a trade and economic hub. In 1531, Antwerp built the first real stock exchange in the world at the request of the many traders in the city who wanted a safe place to do business. The building later served as an example for the stock exchanges of London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. Want to find out more about Antwerp’s glorious Golden Age? Visit The Antwerp Story in Het Steen and experience this heady period in Antwerp’s history.

A severed hand or a place where sludge was deposited?

Are you familiar with the legend of Brabo and Antigoon? The frightful giant Antigoon lived in Het Steen, requesting a toll from any skipper who sailed down the Scheldt river. When a skipper couldn’t or wouldn’t pay, the giant would cut off his right hand and cast it into the river. That is, until the brave Roman soldier Brabo confronted him one day, defeating the giant, cutting off his hand and throwing it into the Scheldt. Apparently Antwerp owes its name to this event: “hand-werpen”, or throwing a hand. In fact, the city’s name is much more straightforward. Being a tidal river, the Scheldt has always deposited a lot of sludge on its banks. The result was a continuous build-up of sludge or, in Dutch, which was “aangeworpen”. And that is how “Aanwerpen” became Antwerp. Head to Grote Mark where you can see a large statue that depicts the legend of Brabo and Antigoon. Do imitate Brabo’s position while you’re there. Can you see what’s wrong with it?

Diamonds and people, forever linked

Antwerp has been known as the diamond capital of the world since the 16th century. Merchants and explorers sailed up the Scheldt, bringing precious gems and metals to Europe. This centuries-old link between people and diamonds is palpable everywhere you look in Antwerp. Nearly all the world’s diamonds pass through Antwerp at least once and 80% of the world’s production of rough diamonds is bought and sold in Antwerp. Many of these diamonds are also cut in Antwerp. Want to find out more? Visit The Antwerp Story in Het Steen or explore the DIVA Museum | Antwerp Home of Diamonds.

Once the world’s largest print house

Around 1550, bookbinder and printer Christophe Plantin founded his Officina Plantiniana in Antwerp. This date marks the start of a family and company history that would span three centuries. In 1570, his print house, which had 16 presses and employed more than fifty workers, was the world’s largest printing business. Plantin had fonts created that are still in use today, such as the famous “Garamond”. Also unique: you can still visit Plantin’s print house today in the Plantin-Moretus Museum, which has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Cruise ships in the heart of the city

In addition to being Europe’s second-largest port, Antwerp is also a popular stop for sea and city cruises. The roof terrace of Het Steen is a great place to see these large ships arrive and depart. Did you know, by the way, that the cruise terminal is located in Het Steen? Unlike other cruise ports where you often have to get on a bus to see the city, cruise passengers can walk straight into the historic city centre of Antwerp. Isn’t that amazing? Want to experience first-hand what it’s like to sail down the wide Scheldt River? Hop on the Waterbus!