Overview

The oldest traces of settlements in Antwerp date back to circa 600 and Het Steen (the stone) is in fact the oldest building in Antwerp and is part of a much larger structure built around the twelfth century, as a fortification and residence for the viscount. The National Maritime Museum has a permanent exhibition of models, paintings, ship accessories and instruments and gives you some background information about life along the river and at sea. It is definitely worth a quick visit.