Information
Landmark: Gravensteen CastleCity: Ghent
Country: Belgium
Continent: Europe
Gravensteen Castle, Ghent, Belgium, Europe
Overview
Gravensteen Castle, or the Castle of the Counts, rises like a stone giant in the center of Ghent, Belgium, its gray walls and towers recalling centuries of medieval power.History buffs shouldn’t miss this iconic landmark-it offers a vivid glimpse of the city’s medieval past, from weathered stone walls to narrow, echoing corridors.Gravensteen’s tall stone towers, sturdy walls, and fascinating exhibits make it one of Belgium’s most striking castles, especially when the cold wind whistles through the battlements.At Sint-Veerleplein 11 in Ghent, Belgium, the stone fortress you see today was built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace in a Romanesque style, later touched with Gothic details; once home to the Counts of Flanders, it later served as courthouse, prison, and even an industrial site before a late-19th-century restoration opened its gates to museum visitors, though a simple wooden fort had guarded this spot as far back as the 9th century.Count Philip of Alsace rebuilt Gravensteen in stone in the 12th century to show his power, its thick walls soon sheltering the Counts of Flanders until the 14th century; inside, courtrooms echoed with verdicts while dark dungeons held prisoners in cold, damp cells.By the 18th century, the fortress had crumbled into disrepair, its halls humming with textile looms instead of armed guards, until architect Joseph de Waele restored its medieval form in the late 19th century and turned it into a museum that drew curious visitors.Today, its massive crenellated towers, remnants of a once-deep moat, and an imposing gatehouse with portcullises and arrow slits stand as striking examples of medieval military design, with the central keep rising above exhibits on castle life and history.At Gravensteen Castle, you can wander past gleaming swords, heavy crossbows, and suits of armor, pause at a grim rack of iron torture devices once used when the fortress served as courthouse and prison, and examine coins, seals, and worn wooden utensils from everyday medieval life; modern touchscreens and lively audio guides help the past breathe again.Climb the towers for a sweeping view of Ghent’s spires and red rooftops, then step into the great hall, armory, and echoing dungeons for a taste of the era.The castle often buzzes with reenactments, fairs, and concerts, making history feel immediate.It’s open daily-usually 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on some holidays-tickets run about €12 for adults, €7 for children, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups.Because steep stairs and uneven stones can be tricky, wear good shoes and arrive early or late to dodge crowds; the audio guide’s sly humor is worth it.Nearby, stroll the Graslei and Korenlei along the water, step into Saint Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Ghent Altarpiece, or climb the UNESCO-listed belfry for another striking city view.In the end, visiting Gravensteen isn’t just touring a fortress-it’s walking straight into the heartbeat of medieval Ghent.With its sweeping arches, lively exhibits, and deep-rooted history, it’s a must-see in Ghent that draws visitors from toddlers to grandparents.
