The Castle of the Counts is a medieval castle in the center of the city of Ghent that captures the imagination with its endless corridors, narrow spiral staircases, high halls and real battlements. The castle has not been inhabited for centuries. Nevertheless, the building is neither empty nor abandoned: There is still plenty to experience here today!
This important landmark in Ghent is a castle with a very eventful history that is closely linked to the complex and often turbulent political and social history of the city. It is the only surviving medieval moated castle with an almost completely intact defense system in Flanders. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of 12th century knightly culture. The gatehouse, the ramparts, the donjon, the count's residence and the stables are open to visitors.
View inside Gravensteen Castle © Stad Gent
The donjon, symbol of count's power
Immerse yourself in the history of this impressive castle. Its history goes back to the time of the Roman occupation, when the first settlement was located on the sandbank in the Leie. After a brief raid by marauding Vikings, the Counts of Flanders converted the earlier wooden buildings into a donjon (residential and defensive tower) in the Middle Ages, which was completely surrounded by a stone wall with 24 towers. With its military architecture, the imposing building served as a symbol of the count's power in turbulent Ghent.
Do you like a bit of humor when visiting the Castle of the Counts? The audio tour was recorded by Flemish comedian Wouter Deprez and takes you on a journey of discovery in and around the castle. He tells the story, peppered with funny anecdotes and rousing knightly battles in the background. You may even hear stories that the people of Ghent have never heard before!
