Cities
Belgium Ghent Flemish Region Fortress

Geeraard de Duivelsteen

Geeraard de Duivelsteen
About

Geeraard de Duivelsteen is one of Ghent’s most atmospheric medieval landmarks, instantly recognisable for its dark stone walls and fortress‑like silhouette. Built in the thirteenth century, the structure was named after the knight Geeraard Vilain, known as “the Devil” for his striking appearance rather than any sinister deeds. Over the centuries, the building served many roles, including an arsenal, monastery, school, and even a prison, each leaving traces in its architecture. Although not always open to the public, its imposing exterior and riverside location make it a compelling stop for anyone exploring the city’s historic core. Geeraard de Duivelsteen stands as a powerful reminder of Ghent’s layered past, blending legend, history, and enduring medieval charm.

Ghent Belgium
Location

Geeraard de Duivelsteen is located at Geraard de Duivelstraat 1 in Ghent's historic city centre, near the Reep canal that once formed the vital Portus Ganda trading port. This 13th-century Gothic fortress, built by knight Geeraard Vilain (nicknamed "the Devil" for his dark features), stands in the shadow of the famous three towers—St. Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry and St. Nicholas' Church—just a short walk from Sint-Baafsplein, Hoogpoort and Veldstraat shopping street. Nearby you'll find the Town Hall, Graslei waterfronts along the Leie river, charming Patershol alleys with eateries, and easy access via Korenmarkt tram stops or central parking, making it perfect for exploring Ghent's medieval core on foot.

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

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