Cities
Belgium Ghent Flemish Region Castle

Gravensteen

About

Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts, is one of Ghent’s most striking landmarks, rising above the city with its imposing stone walls and medieval towers. Built in the late twelfth century, it once served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders and later housed a courthouse, prison, and even industrial workshops. Today, the castle invites visitors to step into the world of knights, power struggles, and daily life in the Middle Ages. Its restored halls, winding staircases, and panoramic battlements offer a vivid sense of history, while the museum inside displays armour, weapons, and stories that bring the past to life. With its dramatic architecture and central location, Gravensteen remains a captivating symbol of Ghent’s rich heritage and a must‑see for anyone exploring the city.

Ghent Belgium
Gravensteen
Location

Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts, is located at Sint-Veerleplein 11 in the heart of Ghent's historic city centre. This imposing 12th-century fortress rises dramatically above the Leie river, surrounded by cobblestone streets and just steps from St. Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry, St. Nicholas' Church and the Town Hall. Nearby you'll find the Patershol district's charming alleys filled with eateries, Graslei and Korenlei waterfronts, Vrijdagmarkt square, Kraanlei canal and landmarks like the Dulle Griet cannon, all within easy walking distance in the pedestrian core. Tram stops at Gravensteen and Korenmarkt provide quick access, with central parking nearby.

Museum voor Schone Kunsten Museum voor Schone Kunsten Museum SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art Museum STAM - Ghent City Museum STAM - Ghent City Museum Museum Museum of Industry Ghent Museum of Industry Ghent Museum Huis van Alijn Huis van Alijn Museum GUM - Gents Universiteitsmuseum & Plantentuin GUM - Gents Universiteitsmuseum & Plantentuin Museum Design Museum Gent Design Museum Gent Museum Museum Dr. Guislain Museum Dr. Guislain Museum Herbert Foundation Herbert Foundation Museum Flanders Expo Flanders Expo Events Venue Kunsthal Gent Kunsthal Gent Gallery Kristof De Clercq gallery Kristof De Clercq gallery Gallery TATJANA PIETERS TATJANA PIETERS Gallery Capitole Ghent Capitole Ghent Theatre NTGent NTGent Theatre Opera Ghent Opera Ghent Opera House Theater Tinnenpot Theater Tinnenpot Theatre CAMPO Nieuwpoort kunstencentrum CAMPO Nieuwpoort kunstencentrum Theatre VIERNULVIER VIERNULVIER Events Venue Geeraard de Duivelsteen Geeraard de Duivelsteen Fortress Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Cathedral Saint Nicholas’ Church Saint Nicholas’ Church Church St James’ Church St James’ Church Church Saint Michael’s Church Saint Michael’s Church Church St Anne’s Church St Anne’s Church Church Church of St. Stefanus Church of St. Stefanus Church Church of St Anthony of Padua Church of St Anthony of Padua Church Belfry of Ghent Belfry of Ghent Historical Landmark Korenlei Korenlei Street Jacob van Artevelde Jacob van Artevelde Statue Stadshal Stadshal Historical Landmark Graffiti Street Graffiti Street Historical Landmark Saint Michael's Bridge Saint Michael's Bridge Bridge Citadelpark Citadelpark Park Monument Jan Frans Willems Monument Jan Frans Willems Monument Koning Albertpark Koning Albertpark Park Playground Blaarmeersen Playground Blaarmeersen Park Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park Park Universiteit Gent - Botanical Garden Universiteit Gent - Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Wondelgemse meersen Wondelgemse meersen Park UGent Volkssterrenwacht Armand Pien UGent Volkssterrenwacht Armand Pien Observatory