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Gravensteen

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Gravensteen (Belgium)

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The Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval fortress located in the heart of Ghent, East Flanders. The current structure was built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, who was the Count of Flanders from 1168 to 1191. He modeled the castle after the crusader castles he encountered during the Second Crusade in the Holy Land. The fortress served as the seat of the Counts of Flanders until the 14th century, after which it was used as a court, a prison, and even a cotton mill in the 19th century. In 1885, the city of Ghent purchased the decaying building and began a major restoration project to return it to its medieval appearance. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved moated castles in Europe, featuring a gatehouse, a keep, and a residence with a distinctive museum of torture and judicial objects.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3361013161818151174
Rain mm696055385964768157677379

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Gravensteen in Ghent is a medieval castle open to the public as a museum. You can explore the interiors, the torture chamber, and the defensive walkway.
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Typical hours
The castle is usually open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, in winter until 5 pm. On public holidays, hours are typically reduced, which should be checked in advance.
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Photography
Photography is allowed indoors without flash. The exterior view with the moat and battlements is a popular photo subject.
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Time needed
A walk through the castle takes about one and a half hours. With audio guide and viewing the fortifications, allow two hours.
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Combine with
The castle is located in the heart of Ghent, near the Belfry and St. Nicholas' Church. A walk along the Graslei and Korenlei completes the visit.
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Getting there
Gravensteen is a 25-minute walk from Ghent-Sint-Pieters main station. Tram line 1 stops at the Gravensteen stop.
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Insider tip
A tip: use the audio guide for gripping stories about the torture chamber prisoners. Visit the castle in late afternoon when the light turns the stone facades golden.

Geography

Coordinates
51.05750, 3.72080

Facts

  • The castle was completed in 1180 by order of Count Philip of Alsace.
  • It served as the official residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353.
  • In 1885, the city of Ghent purchased the building for 1.2 million francs.
  • The central keep is over 30 meters high and offers panoramic views.
  • During the 19th century, the castle housed a factory with hundreds of workers.
  • The on-site museum displays torture instruments from the 14th to 18th centuries.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. Nicholas' ChurchSt. Nicholas' Church<1 km · SExplore →
Flemish ValleyFlemish Valley2 km · SWExplore →
Bourgoyen-OssemeersenBourgoyen-Ossemeersen2 km · WExplore →
Ghent University Botanical GardenGhent University Botanical Garden2 km · SExplore →
EvergemEvergem6 km · NExplore →
Evergem Port ZoneEvergem Port Zone8 km · NExplore →
LochristiLochristi8 km · EExplore →
North Sea Port GhentNorth Sea Port Ghent11 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Gravensteen (10)

NTGent Arca

Theatre in Ghent.

Decapitation Bridge

Bridge in Ghent.

Lievebrug

Bridge in Ghent.

De Blauwe Poedel

Gallery in Ghent.

Down To Art

Gallery in Ghent.

Vleeshuisbrug

Bridge in Ghent.

Kunsthal Gent🏛 museum

Museum in Ghent.

Caermersklooster🏛 museum

Pand and monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Ghent.

Cecilia Jaime Gallery

Gallery in Ghent.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an audio guide?
Yes, the humorous audio guide by comedian Wouter Deprez is included in the entrance price.
What can you see in the torture museum?
There is a collection of historical torture instruments and explanations of medieval justice.
Can you climb onto the castle walls?
Yes, the walk along the battlements has a great view over the rooftops of Ghent.
Is the castle suitable for children?
Yes, children love the knightly atmosphere, though some torture instruments might be scary.
What are the opening hours?
The castle is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00).
Gravensteen: where is it located?
Gravensteen is located in Belgium.
Gravensteen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Castle of the Counts, NTGent Arca, Decapitation Bridge.
Gravensteen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gravensteen: why is it worth visiting?
The Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval fortress located in the heart of Ghent, East Flanders.
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