Sten Castle

Sten Castle is a majestic structure on the banks of the Scheldt River in Antwerp. There is a legend that talks 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 were stripped of both hands and thrown into the water. One day a man was found who was able to neutralize the giant. It is believed that this is how the name of the city “bandwerpen” appeared, which translates as “thrown hand.”

History

The exact date of construction of the Walls Castle is unknown; historians call 1200 the year of its foundation, but it is known for sure that before that time there was an ancient fortress in this place. The territory of the castle was very vast, with numerous buildings for various purposes located on it. For a long time, the fortress was used for its intended purpose - to protect its owners from the attacks of enemies. In the 16th century, the Castle of the Walls was rebuilt and fortified in accordance with the emerging military tools, 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 living conditions were difficult. But in the second wing they kept rich people, they could choose “chambers” to their taste, the best chefs prepared for them and, in general, they lived in comfort.

Features

When the Spanish Inquisition came to Antwerp, the situation in the prison changed, its basements turned into torture chambers, and a fire was lit in the courtyard. Since ancient times, above the castle gates there has been an image of the deity of youth and fertility. After the prison, the territory of the Castle of Walls was used in different ways: both as warehouses and as housing. In 1862 they 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 that belonged to the ancient fortress, widened the river bed at this site and laid a new embankment. Castle Sten, fortunately, survived. Since the mid-20th century, this place housed a shipbuilding museum; in memory of this, several small ships remain on the territory. Later it was repurposed as a cultural center.

Attractions

Right in front of the main bridge there is a monument to the Long Whopper - this fairy-tale character can shrink and grow at will; most often he is used to scare naughty children. On the territory of the Castle of Walls you can see an ancient crucifix; inquisitors brought sinners to it so that they would repent of their sins before execution. Today everyone can admire the architecture of the object; the landmark is recognized as the oldest stone building in the city; its very name “walls” also translates as “stone.”