Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)

About this place

The Gravensteen — Castle of the Counts — is a real moated medieval castle in the heart of a modern city: built by Count Philip of Alsace of Flanders in 1180 in the style of the crusader castles he had seen in the East, with stone walls, towers and a huge central keep — more to intimidate Ghent's rebellious citizens than to defend them. It later became a court, a prison and a textile factory before restoration (1890). The visit climbs the ramparts and towers for a splendid view over Ghent's roofs and its three towers, and descends into the halls, dungeons and the museum of torture instruments and medieval justice. Its modern star is the audio guide: narrated by the Flemish comedian Wouter Deprez with biting wit (in English too) about the counts, Ghent and the castle — it made the visit among the most enjoyable in Belgium. Five minutes from the Graslei in the old Patershol quarter — for families and castle lovers, and among Ghent's most compelling sights.