Sten Castle

The Castle of Walls is a majestic structure on the banks of the River Scheldt in Antwerp. There is a legend that tells about a giant who lived in this castle: he demanded a fee from everyone who wanted to cross the river. Those who refused to pay, or who did not have the means, he deprived of both hands and threw into the water. One day, there was a man who was able to neutralize the giant. It is believed that this is how the name of the city "bandwerpen" appeared, which translates as "the hand is thrown".

History

The exact date of the Castle's construction is unknown, historians call 1200 the year of its foundation, but it is known for sure that an ancient fortress stood in this place before that time. The territory of the castle was very extensive, and there were numerous buildings for various purposes. The fortress has long been used for its intended purpose - to protect its owners from the attacks of enemies. In the 16th century, the Castle Walls were rebuilt and fortified in accordance with the new military guns, and artillery was placed on the walls. A little later, the castle was turned into a prison, it was divided into two wings. In the first, those who were poorer were kept, they were rarely fed, and the conditions of detention were difficult. But in the second wing they kept rich people, they could choose the "chambers" according to their taste, the best chefs cooked for them and, in general, they lived comfortably.

Features

When the Spanish Inquisition came to Antwerp, the situation in the prison changed, its basements turned into torture chambers, and a bonfire was lit in the courtyard. Since ancient times, the image of the deity of youth and fertility has been located above the castle gates. After the prison, the Castle's Walls were used in various ways: as warehouses and as housing. In 1862, it was decided to open an archaeological museum here, and in 1864 a large-scale restoration was carried out. In 1880, the city authorities demolished more than 500 different buildings belonging to the ancient fortress, widened the riverbed at this place and laid a new embankment. Fortunately, the castle of the Walls survived. Since the middle of the 20th century, the museum of shipbuilding has been located in this place, and several small ships remain on the territory in memory of this. Later it was converted into a cultural center.

Attractions

There is a monument to the Lanky Wapper right in front of the main bridge - this fabulous character can shrink and grow at will, most often they frighten naughty children. On the territory of the Castle Walls, you can see an ancient crucifix, the inquisitors brought sinners to him so that they would repent of their sins before being executed. Everyone can admire the architecture of the object today, the landmark is recognized as the oldest stone building in the city, its very name "walls", also translates as "stone".