Gravensteen: Ghent's Imposing Medieval Fortress
Explore Ghent's iconic Gravensteen, a formidable medieval castle with a turbulent history, offering panoramic views, intriguing exhibits, and a glimpse into a bygone era of counts, courts, and cotton mills.
Dominating Ghent's skyline, the Gravensteen, or 'Castle of the Counts,' is a formidable medieval fortress with a rich and turbulent past. Built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, it served as a residence, courthouse, prison, and even a cotton factory before being meticulously restored. Today, visitors can explore its imposing ramparts, crenellated towers, and intriguing interior, including a torture museum, armory, and the Count's residence. The castle offers panoramic views of Ghent and a fascinating glimpse into medieval life, justice, and architecture. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. Be sure to allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience this iconic landmark and its engaging exhibits.
A brief summary to Gravensteen
- Sint-Veerleplein 11, Ghent, Arrondissement of Ghent, 9000, BE
- +3292259306
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Take the audio tour! Narrated by a Flemish comedian, it's both informative and hilarious, providing a unique perspective on the castle's history.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The castle has many stairs, uneven surfaces, and cobblestone paths, so comfortable footwear is essential.
- Book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
- Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit to fully explore the castle and its exhibits.
- Be mindful of limited accessibility. The castle is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to numerous stairs and uneven surfaces.
Getting There
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Walking
Gravensteen is centrally located in Ghent and easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Korenmarkt, walk north along the Graslei and cross the Sint-Michielshelling bridge. Continue straight onto Jan Breydelstraat, then turn left onto Sint-Veerleplein. The castle will be directly in front of you. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes and offers picturesque views of the city center.
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Public Transport
If arriving by train at Gent-Sint-Pieters station, take tram line 2 towards 'Zwijnaarde' and disembark at the 'Gravensteen/Sint-Veerleplein' stop. The castle is a short walk from the tram stop. Tram tickets cost approximately €3 per single journey and can be purchased at the station or via the De Lijn app.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Ghent. A taxi ride from Gent-Sint-Pieters station to Gravensteen typically costs between €10-€15, depending on traffic. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
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Driving
Driving directly to Gravensteen is not recommended due to the city's pedestrian zone and limited parking. The nearest car park is P1 Vrijdagmarkt (paid parking). Consider using a Park and Ride (P+R) facility on the outskirts of the city and taking public transport to the center. Parking fees at P1 Vrijdagmarkt are approximately €3 per hour or €20 per day. Be aware of Ghent's Low Emission Zone (LEZ); check if your vehicle meets the emission standards to avoid a fine.
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