Gravensteen
A moated medieval stone castle built in 1180 by the Count of Flanders. Climb the ramparts for views over the old town's rooftops and canals.
Located on the north side of Ghent's old town, the castle was built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders, modeled on Crusader castles. Surrounded by a moat, it is one of the best-preserved medieval water castles in Western Europe. It later served as a law court, a prison and a textile factory, and its interior displays armour, weapons and torture instruments. Tickets cost about €13 and include an entertaining audio guide. Climb to the roof terrace of the main tower for views of Ghent's three towers and the canals. It is about a 10-minute walk from Saint Bavo's Cathedral and can be combined with a visit to Graslei and Korenlei.
Opening hours
10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Graslei & Korenlei, Ghent
- Belfry of Ghent
- St Bavo's Cathedral, Ghent
- Bruges Windmills (Sint-Janshuismolen)
- Bruges Canals & Rozenhoedkaai
- Groeningemuseum
- Burg & Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges
- Minnewater