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Geeraard de Duivelsteen: Ghent's Medieval Fortress

Explore Ghent's Geeraard de Duivelsteen, a medieval castle with a rich history, from fortress to armory, monastery, and national archive.

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Geeraard de Duivelsteen, or the Castle of Gerald the Devil, is a 13th-century Gothic building in Ghent, Belgium. Despite its ominous name, it served as a defense for the city's port and has a rich history, having been used as an armory, monastery, school, and even a prison. Today, it stands as a striking cultural landmark, showcasing Ghent's medieval past.

A brief summary to Geeraard de Duivelsteen

  • Geraard de Duivelstraat 1, Ghent, Arrondissement of Ghent, 9000, BE
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Local tips

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience.
  • Take a walk around the castle to appreciate its architecture and historical details.
  • Check out nearby attractions like St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry of Ghent to make the most of your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Korenmarkt in Ghent's city center, head northeast towards Sint-Baafsplein. Take the exit towards Veldstraat and continue straight until you reach the intersection with Geraard de Duivelstraat. Turn right onto Geraard de Duivelstraat, and you will find Geeraard de Duivelsteen located at number 1 on your left. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, take tram line 1 towards the city center. Get off at the Korenmarkt tram stop. From there, walk towards Geraard de Duivelstraat, where you'll find the landmark located at number 1. Alternatively, from Korenmarkt, several bus lines (11, 55, 70, 71, 76, 78) stop near Geeraard de Duivelsteen. A single ride on the tram or bus costs €3, and is valid for 60 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Ghent-Sint-Pieters train station and Korenmarkt. A taxi ride from the train station to Geeraard de Duivelsteen takes about 5 minutes and costs approximately €9-€11. Keep in mind that taxi fares in Ghent have a base fee of €10, with an additional €2.60 per kilometer.

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Discover more about Geeraard de Duivelsteen

Geeraard de Duivelsteen, also known as the Castle of Gerald the Devil, is a prominent medieval fortress located in the heart of Ghent. Constructed in the 13th century, this Gothic-style edifice originally served to defend Portus Ganda, the city's vital trading port. The name, which translates to "Gerald the Devil's Castle," comes from Geeraard Vilain, a knight with a dark complexion and hair. Over the centuries, the castle has played many roles. It has been a gathering place for noblemen, an armory, a monastery, a school, an episcopal seminary, and even a prison. In the 19th century, it was acquired by the Belgian government and used as a national archive until 2015. While the interior is not always accessible, the exterior remains largely intact, offering a glimpse into Ghent's medieval past. Its imposing stone facade and solid medieval design, complete with defensive walls and turrets, make it a captivating sight for visitors. The building stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural brilliance.

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