Gravensten Castle

Gravensten is a medieval castle with a real defensive system that has survived to our time. The castle was built in 1180. For several hundred years the building was used by the counts of Flanders, making it their residence, but later the fate of the castle turned it into a mint, a courthouse, a textile factory and even a prison.

In the IX century, the first building was built here, protecting the Belgians from Viking raids. This was the time of the Iron Hand, Count Baudouin I. But already the X century brought the castle a complete reconstruction, started by Count Arnulf, and then continued by Count Robert I of Frisian.

The year 1180 brought peace. Count Philip of Alsace turned Gravenstein into exactly what we see now – a landmark of Ghent, which many tourists want to see at least once in their lives.

On his 800th birthday, Gravenstein received universal recognition. The Museum of Justice and Arms has recently opened here, proving that the cultural and tourist opportunities of such an important architectural monument have begun to be used.