The rampart view
Ghent's roofs and three towers from the keep.
Paul Hermans — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Davidh820 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dennis G. Jarvis — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Davidh820 — CC BY-SA 4.0
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.
Ghent's roofs and three towers from the keep.
Biting wit turning history into an enjoyable tale.
Dungeons and torture instruments — hard history told honestly.
Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent
Sint-VeerlepleinA small square directly in front of the Gravensteen castle, among Ghent's oldest1 minute walk4.6
Huis van AlijnGhent's museum of everyday life, in a group of fourteenth-century almshouses bui3 minutes walk4.4
Graslei and Korenlei (Old Quays)The Graslei and Korenlei are Ghent's old harbour quays on the facing banks of th3 minutes walk4.9
KorenmarktThe Korenmarkt ("Wheat Market") is Ghent's central square and meeting place: a b4 minutes walk4.8
Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraat)Graffiti Street is a narrow, crooked alley in the heart of old Ghent turned into4 minutes walk4.3Very — a real castle with ramparts, towers and a moat that fires the imagination, and the comic guide makes adults and children laugh. The torture museum may trouble the very sensitive (it can be skipped). Many narrow stairs — reasonable fitness and comfortable shoes needed. Ninety minutes suffice, combined with the neighbouring Patershol quarter for lunch.