Gravensteen, Medieval fortress in central Ghent, Belgium
The castle features a central 33-meter stone keep surrounded by thick defensive walls, 24 towers, and a moat in the heart of the city.
Count Philip of Alsace constructed this fortress in 1180 as a symbol of power, drawing inspiration from castles he encountered during the Second Crusade.
The castle houses a collection of medieval weapons, armor, and judicial objects, illustrating the military and legal practices of medieval Flanders.
Visitors can explore the ramparts, dungeons, stables, and residential quarters daily from 10 AM to 6 PM through guided audio tours.
Students occupied the castle in 1949 to protest rising beer prices and changes in police uniform colors, marking its only successful invasion.
Location: Ghent
Inception: 1180
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Website: https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/castle-counts
Address: 11 Sint-Veerleplein 11 9000 Gent
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
Phone: +3292259306
Email: historischehuizen@stad.gent
Website: https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/castle-counts
GPS coordinates: 51.05722,3.72056
Latest update: September 7, 2025 17:44
Belgium contains historic fortresses, nature reserves, medieval castles and museums. From the blue forests of Hallerbos to the flint mines of Spiennes, sites of cultural and historical importance span across the country.
Collection of main tourist attractions in Belgium including historic centers, medieval castles, cathedrals, museums and heritage sites located throughout Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and other Belgian destinations.
Graslei
248 m
Huis van Alijn
208 m
Groot Vleeshuis
163 m
Design Museum Gent
157 m
Korenstapelhuis
279 m
St. Stefanus, Ghent
248 m
Caermers monastry
196 m
De Gekroonde Hoofden
130 m
Gildehuis der Vrije Schippers
296 m
Kloosterkerk van de Ongeschoeide Karmelieten
298 m
Tolhuisje
278 m
Caermersklooster
199 m
Augustinian Monastery
224 m
Oude vismijn
100 m
Execution Bridge
90 m
House 'De Fluitspeler'
241 m
The Angel
250 m
Grasbrug
191 m
Infokantoor Toerisme Gent
113 m
Cooremetershuys
279 m
De Zeven Werken van Barmhartigheid
223 m
Vleeshuisbrug
144 m
Zuivelbrug
260 m
Maison De Beerie
220 m
Viskopershuis
161 m
De Hazewind
215 m
Lievebrug
122 m
Sint-Catharinakapel
203 mReviews
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