Sitting in the heart of Ghent along the Lieve canal is the grand Gravensteen, or Castle of the Counts. This old castle has a long history and has served various purposes through its existence. Today, the Gravensteen is one of the top attractions in Ghent as people come from all over to walk the old halls and learn about the castle from the various exhibits contained in its walls. From the upper portions of the castle, you’ll also get some great views over Ghent. Here are some basic details to help you plan your visit!
A Little Gravensteen History
In the 9th century, the Counts of Flanders began building a fortification structure for protection from outside attacks. Over the years, improvements and additions were made, and the original wooden structure was replaced by a stone one. A moat and stone wall were also built around the building and watch towers were added.
Ghent became a thriving center of trade and various other buildings popped up around the Gravensteen. Aside from being a fortress, the castle also served other purposes over its long history. It contained part-time residences for the Counts, administrative offices, law courts, a prison and torture chambers, grain storage, etc.
The court relocated and two individuals purchased sections of the Gravensteen. It then became an industrial hub with various workshops and residences for workers. When many of those companies left the Gravensteen complex, it fell into a state of disrepair.
Eventually, the Belgian government repurchased the site with the intention of restoring and preserving it. It opened to public visits in 1907.
Getting to the Granvensteen
Ghent is fairly small and many of the main attractions are concentrated around the city center. It is common to explore Ghent on foot and you’ll likely not be too far from the Gravensteen, which is conveniently located in the historical center near various restaurants, hotels, and other interesting sites.
If taking public transport into the city center, the nearest stops to the Gravensteen are the Gent Gravensteen tram stops near the castle entrance. Find transport maps and learn more about getting around Ghent on public transport here.
Tickets
Gravensteen tickets cost €13 per adult. This price includes an audio guide. There are discounts for groups, children, Ghent residents, etc. To learn more about other ticket rates, see the website.
The website recommends booking tickets online in advance. You can buy tickets upon arrival; however, your entrance is not guaranteed and tickets may sell out. Online, you can select a date and timeslot, which are laid out in 20-minute increments. You can also see the number of tickets still available.
We visited on a weekday in October, which was outside of peak time, and arrived mid-afternoon. We purchased our tickets upon arrival and it wasn’t too busy. However, during peak summer months and weekends, it may be a good idea to book in advance.
City Card
The CityCard Ghent covers entrance to the Gravensteen. If you have the CityCard, you don’t need to make a reservation in advance. Just show up and present the pass. Learn more about the CityCard Ghent here.
We didn’t buy the CityCard as we were just visiting on a day trip and the tickets for the attractions we visited did not add up to the cost of the card. However, if you’re staying in Ghent for a couple days or plan to visit numerous attractions covered on the pass, it may be worth it!
Hours & Regulations
The Gravensteen is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the exception of December 24th, 25th, and 31st and January 1st. The last admission is at 4:40 p.m.
Alternative hours and closures may occur, so check the website before your visit.
Please note that smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted inside the castle.
Exploring the Gravensteen
The Gravensteen is considered a must-see attraction in Ghent. We had passed by it earlier in the day on our boat tour and were eager to explore its interior. After entering the complex through the main entrance gate, you can purchase or present your ticket at the ticketing office and pick up your audio guide at the nearby shop. There are also restrooms in the complex and souvenirs available in the shop.
When exploring the Gravensteen, you’ll pass through various indoor and outdoor areas of the castle. So, plan accordingly for the weather. We’d recommend 1.5-2 hours to get through the castle.
The inside exhibits contained interesting displays, from armor and weaponry to old torture devices and artwork. There aren’t descriptions displayed in the various rooms of the castle, so we definitely recommend picking up the audio guide for more insight into the exhibits and castle history. Walking through the old halls and narrow stairways also provides a little look into the castle’s past.
As you make your way through the Gravensteen, you’ll reach the upper walls of the structure. Walking around this large courtyard area and climbing the short stairways to the various posts provide some really pretty views over Ghent in all directions.
Overall, we enjoyed our time exploring the castle and learning about this piece of Ghent’s history!
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