Overview:

Gravensteen Castle is a medieval castle in Ghent, Belgium. It was built in 1180 by count Philip of Alsace and served as the seat of the Counts of Flanders until they abandoned it in the 14th century. The castle was then used as a courthouse, prison, mint, and a guild hall. It has stood the test of time, and today it stands as a reminder of the city's rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the castle and see the torture chambers, prison cells, and the impressive Gravensteen Gate. The top of the gate provides an impressive view of Ghent. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

1. Flanking Towers: The Gravensteen Castle was originally surrounded by a protective moat and two flanking towers, the Western Tower and the Oudburg Tower. 2. Keep: Rising up a few stories, this castle features the highest and central Keep. It is a combination of two towers in the corner and a hall in the middle surrounded by walls. 3. Councillors Hall: The Councillors Hall is where the Count and his councillors used to meet and hold court. Its vaulted ceiling gives it a unique architectural feature. 4. Secret Passages: There are secret trapdoors and passages that gave the Gravensteen its reputation as an invincible fortress. Some of the passageways lead to the flanking towers, allowing soldiers to get away quickly if attacked. 5. Ramparts: The castle design allows defenders to fire arrows and thrown rocks from the top of its high walls, giving them an additional advantage if under attack. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

Gravensteen Castle is a medieval castle located in Ghent, Belgium. The castle was built in 1180 by the Count of Flanders, Philip of Alsace. It was initially used by the Count as a residence and seat of government, and over the centuries has served as a prison and court. In the 16th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair and was used as a stone quarry. By the 17th century, it had been almost entirely demolished and lay abandoned. In 1856, local architect Joseph Lauwereys began a large-scale restoration of the castle. He was able to reconstruct much of the original castle, and in 1883 it was opened to the public for the first time. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, and is open to visitors between April and October. The castle is home to a museum dedicated to the history of torture instruments, and often hosts festivals and events, such as historical re-enactments and jousting tournaments. It also has a dungeon, a moat, two drawbridges, and a rampart walk. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Belgium was built in 1180 by count Philip of Alsace and was the residence for the Counts of Flanders for almost 500 years before it fell into disrepair. 2. The castle served as a courthouse, prison, and a mint during its time as a stronghold of the wealthy counts of Flanders,. 3. In the 19th century, the castle was due to be demolished, until it was saved and restored by architect Valerio van Bostelle in 1885. 4. Gravensteen is Celtic for ‘castle of the counts’ and is also known as the ‘castle of the counts’ or ‘castle of the count’. 5. Gravensteen Castle features the original 800-year-old moat, several towers, and a drawbridge which was originally operated by a windlass. 6. The armory is full of medieval armor, including suits of armor and arms. 7. Inside one of the castle’s towers is the torture chamber, featuring many of the instruments of torture used during the Middle Ages. 8. Gravensteen Castle was used in several movies and TV shows, including The Brothers Grimm, the miniseries The Pillars of the Earth and X-Men: Apocalypse. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era