Spanjaardenkasteel

The Spanjaardenkasteel is a fortress in Ghent built on the site of a former abbey, featuring thick defensive walls and fortification structures from the 16th century. The castle displays typical citadel architecture with its geometric layouts and bastions, which remain visible today.

In 1540, Roman Emperor and Spanish King Charles V commissioned the fortress to bring Ghent under control following a rebellion. The structure was built on the grounds of Saint-Bavo Abbey, which was converted into a military installation for this purpose.

The fortress takes its name from the Spanish occupiers who controlled it, marking Ghent's skyline as a symbol of a turbulent era. Visitors can still see in the architecture and massive walls traces of this foreign rule that shaped the city's daily life for a long time.

The site is best reached on foot when exploring Ghent's city center, and informative panels explain the various areas and their functions. A guided tour can be more helpful to fully understand the strategic aspects and layout of the defensive structures.

Italian engineer Donato de Boni designed this installation with early defensive techniques specifically created to withstand increasingly powerful artillery fire. This made the fortress a milestone in the development of fortification systems and an example of military innovation in the 16th century.