Ladies and gentlemen, here before you stands the oldest surviving building in the city. Remarkably well preserved, Het Steen is an impressive medieval castle dating back to the 13th century, and was once a key part of Antwerp's ancient defensive walls. Given its sturdy appearance, you probably won't be surprised to learn that it was originally built for defense, protecting the city and its people. During the Middle Ages, the fortress took on a new role as a prison, before being expanded and dramatically transformed by Emperor Charles V. You may remember Charles V as the mighty 16th-century Spanish ruler who controlled an astonishingly vast empire, including the House of Habsburg, the seventeen provinces of the Netherlands and Franche-Comté, the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, extensive Spanish colonies across the globe, the Kingdom of Naples, and even the Holy Roman Empire. You could say he practically defined power during his lifetime! Partially demolished during redevelopment work along the quays, Het Steen—whose name fittingly translates to "stone",has housed the Antwerp Story visitor center since 2021, offering fascinating insights into the rich history and identity of this remarkable city.