Gravensteen Castle
Gravensteen Castle is one of the notable stops in Gent, with a route-friendly location for your trip.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1180
- Heritage status
- beschermd monument
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why is the castle right in the middle of the city?
Built in 1180, it was aimed less at outside enemies than at controlling Ghent's rebellious wealthy merchants. The townspeople clashed with the counts repeatedly over the centuries.
How did the castle escape demolition?
In the 19th century it had been turned into a cotton mill with workers' housing inside. Campaigns against demolition led the city to buy and restore it in 1885.
What happened at the castle in 1949?
A group of students occupied it to protest a rise in beer tax, pelting police with fruit from the battlements. The episode is now one of Ghent's favourite local stories.
Why go?
- Easy to add to your route
- Good photo stop
- Popular local highlight






