Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen Castle, locally simply known as Gravensteen, lies in the city of Ghent, in the East Flanders province in the Flemish region in Belgium.

The first fortification at this site, a dune with swampy borders between the anabranches of the River Leie, was built in the mid-9th century by Baldwin I, the first Count of Flanders, to fend off Viking raids. This fortification grew into the seat of the Counts of Flanders, hence its name 'Gravensteen,' which literally translates to 'Stone of the Counts.' Around 879 AD, it was apparently taken by the Vikings, who used it as a base for their raids in the area.

Count Arnulf I had the fort completely rebuilt during the 10th century. It then consisted of a hall atop a small hill surrounded by other buildings, all built out of wood. In the 11th century, Count Robert I drastically rebuilt the castle, replacing the old wooden hall with a rectangular stone keep three stories high, surrounded by new wooden auxiliary buildings and a defensive enclosure with a wall tower. Later, the defensive wall and wall tower were rebuilt in stone, and a stone gate tower was added. The entire site was moated.

In 1180, Count Philip I had the castle entirely rebuilt again. This is the castle we see today, featuring the nearly 30-meter-high keep, the barbican in front of the gate tower, and the defensive wall with its 24 protruding turrets.

Count Louis II moved out of Gravensteen Castle in the early 14th century, seeking a more comfortable residence, but the castle remained the county's administrative center. In 1353, the Mint of Ghent was established in the castle. By 1407, the Council of Flanders also moved in, using part of the castle as a prison.

In later centuries, parts of the moat silted up, and houses were built against the outer castle walls, hiding the castle from view until around 1900. The council held its seat in the castle until 1778, when it was sold to civilians. During the 19th century, the castle was used as a cotton mill and housing for laborers and their families. By the end of the century, the cotton mill and laborers moved out, leaving Gravensteen Castle nearly in ruins.

A thorough restoration began in 1894, returning the castle to its appearance during Count Philip I’s time and turning it into a tourist attraction. In 1949, the castle was briefly occupied by protesting local students. In recent decades, it has undergone two more restorations.

Currently, Gravensteen Castle is open for visitors for a fee. A magnificent castle in a beautiful city, highly recommended! Nearby is Geeraard de Duivelsteen Castle.

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