麻豆APP

Gravensteen (“Castle of the Counts”) during golden hour in Ghent photo by Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer)

  Top 10 Amazing Facts about Gravensteen

Gravensteen, which has actually served as a castle for counts. In Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium, there is a medieval castle. The present-day castle was built in 1180, and the counts of Flanders lived there until 1353.

It was  later re-purposed as a court, prison , mint and as cotton factory. Gravensteen was restored over 1893-1903 which is now a museum and a major landmark in the city. 

The Gravensteen have their roots in the reign of Arnulf (890鈥�965). The area where the Lys River split into two forks. It was initially defended around the year 1000, first with wood and afterwards with stone. The castle was afterwards converted into a motte-and-bailey structure that burned down around 1176.

While Philip of Alsace (reigned from 1443 to 1191) constructed the present castle on the site of the earlier fortification in 1180. It might have been influenced by the crusader castles that Philip saw while on the second crusade.

Here are the Top 10 Amazing Facts about Gravensteen

1.Gravensteen has been located in historical heart of Ghent

Gravensteen castle photo by Davidh820 –

The city of Ghent which is located in the province of East Flanders in the western part of Belgium. It is the third largest  city in the country by size and has an incredible rich of history.

This has been reflected by the three medieval structure that dominates the city’s skyline. These are the St Bavo Cathedral which featured the famous Ghent Altarpiece painted by brothers Hubert and Jan Van Eyck , the Belfry of Ghent and the Saint Nicholas church.

2. The castle was the focal point of the Ghent World Fair in 1913

A number of buildings were completed for the occasion. Notably, Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station was completed in 1912 in time for the exposition, and was situated opposite the new hotel, Flandria Palace. A park, Citadelpark, was redesigned for the fair.  The Gravensteen was the centrepiece of the Ghent World Fair of 1913 during which the city centre was significantly reshaped. It remains open to the public.

3. Gravensteen castle has a moat and distinctive defensive wall

Gravensteen Castle, Ghent, Province of East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium photo by Zairon

The 鈥渂urghers of Ghent,鈥� the most notable citizens in medieval towns in northern Europe, didn鈥檛 always agree with the Counts of Flanders. That鈥檚 why Philip I initially built such an impressive stone fortification as he was forced to establish and increase his authority in the city.

The castle served as a citadel within the city and is partially surrounded by a protective moat, a defensive ring fed by the Leie River. It features a huge central keep and incorporates several rooms which served as residence and administrative offices.

The exterior wall of the castle features 24 bartizans, small overhanging turrets. In combination with the moat, these medieval defensive features create a remarkable sight in the city center of Ghent.

4.The castle had served different complete purposes in the 18th century

After ceasing to be the residence of the counts of Flanders, the castle entered a decline. It was used as a court and prison until the 18th century. From 1353 to 1491, it was the site of Ghent’s mint and private buildings were later constructed on or around the Medieval remains.

During the Industrial Revolution, the Gravensteen was converted into a cotton mill by an industrialist who purchased the site. It was even scheduled for demolition.

5. Gravesteen castle was built of Tournal limestone marble like stone from south Belgium

It was originally built in 1180 of Tournai limestone. And abandoned over time after stints as a home for royalty, a courthouse and a prison, it was restored in 1885. Today, this stone monolith features plenty of space to walk around, with a fascinating torture museum revealing terrifying devices actually used, including a guillotine. 

6. The castle was originally  built during the reign of Arnuld (890-965)

Courtyard of Gravensteen Castle, Ghent, Province of East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium photo by Zairon

Gravensteen castle was originally built in the 10 century. The location of the  castle has been a strategic area between 2 branches of the Lys or Leleie river which formed a natural defense of the castle grounds. It was recognized in the 10 th century by Arnulf I who was the first count of Flanders.

He had built the original castle  which was constructed with wood and later expanded to become a motte and bailey castle. The wooden structure eventually burnt down in the year 1176 after which it was replaced with a stone fortification.

7. Gravensteen which has been the currently castle is more than 800 years old

The current castle of Gravensteen dates back to the year 1180. Its first stone castle on site was built in the 1180 by Philip I. Also known as Philip of Alsace. He has been a man who elevated the economy of Flanders during his reign

He had participated in two crusades which one most certainly has to  do  with the other. But he died in the Holy land of Disease. It was assumed that during his trips abroad he became inspired by several castle he came across along. And which served as the model of the Gravensteen in Ghent.

8. The castle was built almost 30 metre  High

Gravensteen castle photo by Davidh820 –

Count Philip I had  ordered the castle to be totally reconstructed once more in 1180. The castle we see now is his. In addition to the barbican in front of the gate tower and the defensive wall with its 24 jutting turrets. He also constructed the nearly 30-meter-high keep.

9. The Counts of Flanders had moved out of the castle in the year 1353

The conditions within the castle were far from optimal, despite the fact that it still has a very spectacular appearance today. Because of this, the Counts finally relocated to their new home, known as the “Prinsenhof” or “Hof ten Walle.”

In 1353, Louis II (1330鈥�1384), sometimes known as “Louis of Male,” decided it was time to relocate. Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, was born here in 1500. Philip the Good (r. 1396鈥�1467), who entirely reconstructed this medieval structur

10.Gravensteen which has been the  castle’s name alludes to its original function

Gravensteen (“Castle of the Counts”) during golden hour in Ghent photo by Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer)

The word “Gravensteen,” which is how the castle’s name is literally translated from Dutch, means “Counts” (Graven) and “Stone” (Steen). Steen uses the term “castle,” hence this is now referred to as the “Castle of the Counts.”

Since it was the primary seat of the Counts of Flanders from 1180 until 1353, this was also the castle’s initial purpose.