Castle of the Counts
Label : Top Attraction
Tags : Forts & Palaces
Timings : Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Last ticket sale at the box office: 4:40 PM
Entry Fee : Adults: EUR 13
Groups (Minimum 15 People), Teachers: EUR 11 (with valid ID)
Students (Ages 19-25), Ghent Residents (19-25), Holders of Uitpas (Ghent Region): EUR 8
Children (Ages 13-18), Special Reduced Rate Holders: EUR 2.70
An audio guide is included with admission, offering an engaging narrative throughout the visit.
Gravensteen
Castle of the Counts, Ghent Overview
The Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen) is a medieval fortress located in Ghent's historic center. Built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, it served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. Today, it's a prominent landmark, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, historical exhibits, and panoramic views of the city. The castle, also,houses a unique collection of medieval torture devices, displayed in the former pantry.
The castle features imposing stone walls, crenellated towers, and a surrounding moat, exemplifying medieval military architecture. Over the centuries, it has functioned as a court, prison, mint, and even a cotton factory. Restoration efforts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries have returned it to its former glory, allowing visitors to experience its historical grandeur firsthand.
