's Gravenkasteel, Medieval castle in Grimbergen, Belgium
's Gravenkasteel is a medieval castle in Grimbergen standing on an island surrounded by water in the heart of a forest. The main gate tower, a corner tower, and remaining sections of defensive walls are still visible, giving a sense of how the original fortification was laid out.
The castle was built in the 13th century and served as the home of the Lords of Grimbergen for several centuries before being converted into a convent. During World War II, German forces set fire to the structures, leaving them in their current ruined state.
The structure reflects how a noble household gradually transformed into a religious community, with visible changes in how rooms and spaces were adapted over centuries. Walking around the ruins, one can sense how different people lived and worked within the same walls.
The ruins are closed to the public, but the surrounding Prinsenbos forest has walking paths that allow views of the historic structure from a distance. Early morning light through the trees provides the best visibility for seeing and photographing the site.
Plans exist to transform the ruins into an exhibition space focused on construction methods used in the 16th century. This future project would help visitors understand how medieval and early modern builders developed their craft and organized their work on site.
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