Gravensteen — Attraction in Ghent

Gravensteen Castle is an impressive testament to Ghent's rich medieval history. Stepping into the castle transports you back in time, offering a glimpse into the life and times of the Middle Ages. Its robust architecture, complete with battlements and arrow slits, speaks volumes about the period's defensive structures. The panoramic views of Ghent from its towers are simply breathtaking. The torture museum, while intriguing, might not be to everyone's taste, given its grim subject matter. Overall, a visit to Gravensteen provides a fascinating dive into history and is highly recommended when in Ghent. Just a heads-up for visitors: some stairways can be a bit steep, so tread with caution.

Gravensteen Castle, located in Ghent, Belgium, is a medieval fortress that has stood as a dominant architectural and historical landmark in the heart of the city for centuries. Here's a brief overview of Gravensteen:

Historical Origin: The Gravensteen, which translates to "Castle of the Counts" in English, dates back to the 12th century. It was built by Count Philip of Alsace in 1180. The castle's design was inspired by the crusader castles that Philip encountered while he participated in the Second Crusade.

Architectural Features: The castle is characterized by its robust defensive features, including a surrounding moat, high walls, battlements, and arrow slits. Its architecture is a testament to the military fortifications of the Middle Ages.

Function Over Time: Over the centuries, Gravensteen has served various purposes. Initially a symbol of the count's power and authority, it later became a court and a prison. By the late 18th and 19th centuries, the castle had deteriorated significantly and was divided into residences and even factories.

Restoration: In the late 19th century, the city of Ghent recognized the historical value of Gravensteen and undertook extensive restoration efforts to preserve and restore the castle to its former medieval glory.

Today: Gravensteen is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore its towers, walls, and various rooms. One of the more morbid attractions within the castle is the torture museum, which showcases medieval instruments of punishment.

Significance: Beyond its architectural marvel, Gravensteen stands as a symbol of the medieval socio-political structure, the authority of the counts, and the history of Ghent itself. It offers a tangible link to the past and provides insights into the Middle Ages' ways of life and justice.

When visiting Ghent, Gravensteen Castle is a must-see, offering both historical insights and panoramic views of the city...

The Castle of the Counts, or Gravensteen, is a striking medieval fortress located in the heart of Ghent, Belgium. Built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, it served as the residence and seat of power for the Counts of Flanders until the mid-14th century.

The castle’s design was inspired by crusader fortresses, featuring imposing stone walls, a large central keep, crenellated towers, and a surrounding moat fed by the nearby Lys River. Its strategic location between two branches of the river added to its defensive strength.

Though originally a symbol of feudal authority and power, the castle also played a role in intimidating the often rebellious citizens of Ghent. Over the centuries, its function evolved from a noble residence to a court, prison, and even a mint. During the Industrial Revolution, it was briefly converted into a cotton factory before falling into disrepair.

A major restoration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries revived the castle, preserving its medieval character and making it one of the best-preserved castles in Europe.

Today, the Castle of the Counts is a museum and a major landmark in Ghent. Visitors can explore its narrow staircases, battlements, and high rooms, gaining insight into medieval life and justice. The castle houses a macabre torture museum and offers interactive exhibits and audio guides that bring its history vividly to life.

Climbing the central keep rewards visitors with panoramic views of Ghent’s picturesque cityscape. The castle’s atmosphere, with its authentic stone corridors and defensive structures, provides a tangible connection to the region’s rich medieval heritage.

Its central location in Ghent makes it easily accessible, and the castle remains open daily for visitors eager to experience a remarkable piece of Flemish history. The combination of architectural grandeur, historical significance, and engaging exhibits makes the Castle of the Counts a must-visit destination for anyone interested in medieval Europe and the history...

Located at Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪. The current castle, also known as the Gravensteen, is a medieval castle which dates back to 1180AD. It was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city. It is the only remaining medieval castle with a moat. It was interesting to see the torture equipment showcased in what used to be the pantry. We did the audio tour and it was well worth it. It added a touch of humour while sharing great stories and interesting information about the castle and its history. Also, we could go at our own pace. The tour is actually voiced by comedian Wouter Deprez and he adds a great touch to it. Highly recommend. There is a shorter, more serious audio tour but I enjoyed the comedy tour. Also recommend stopping at the castle shop, has great range of souvenirs. Ticket prices with Audioguide - Adults (18 years and older) €13.00 Children (0-12 years) FREE Children (13-18 years) €2.70 It’s a wonderful castle but there’s quite a lot of stairs and they are very small. Would make difficult for people with mobility issues. If you have these issues, I would give it a miss. The castle is very well maintained and in my opinion the comedy tour made our visit so much better with the wonderful stories. The castle itself is stunning with wonderful architecture. Would definitely recommend buying tickets online before you arrive, they sell out fast as only a certain amount of tickets are available for each time slot. Also recommend going in the morning to beat the crowds. Would definitely recommend. Thumbs...