Rabot

The Rabot is a medieval defensive structure in Ghent built from two hefty stone towers with a fortified passage between them spanning the Lieve river. The passage's gateway regulated boat traffic and allowed officials to monitor and control who entered the city by water.

Ghent's citizens built the Rabot in 1489 as a statement after defeating Maximilian of Austria's forces in armed conflict. This structure marked a turning point in the city's struggle to maintain its independence against outside control.

The Rabot represents medieval civic resistance and shows how a city defended itself against outside forces. Today it stands as a reminder of local pride and the power that ordinary citizens could exercise together.

The Rabot sits right along a busy street and is easy to reach on foot from the city center. Be aware that the interior may not always be open to visitors, but you can view and appreciate the exterior stonework and architectural details from the public area outside.

Between 1985 and 2001, the Rabot underwent major restoration work that turned it into a multipurpose space for community and cultural use. This extensive renovation brought the crumbling medieval structure back to life and gave it new purpose beyond its original military function.