Discover The Gravensteen Castle in Ghent
Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Belgium, is an iconic landmark and a living testament to a rich history. This impressive fortress, once a residence for counts and dukes of the region, stands today as a magnificent embodiment of medieval architecture, inviting visitors to delve into its captivating past.
Visitors are invited to wander through its imposing walls, immersing themselves in the intricate details of the castle’s original construction. They can also journey through its moat or ascend to the top of its towering turrets for awe-inspiring city views. They can also unearth its hidden treasures, including weapons, armour, and other medieval artifacts.
This is a must-see attraction for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. Gravensteen Castle is easily accessible, with guided tours available in multiple languages.
Facilities for refreshments and rest ensure a comfortable visit. Come and discover the magic of Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Belgium, today!
Gravensteen
If you’re looking for a castle that looks like it belongs in a fairytale, look no further than Gravensteen.
If you’re claustrophobic, some parts of the castle will be complex as the stairways can be very narrow. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestones can be slippery at times…
As you walk around the city, you can’t miss Gravensteen Castle. It sits right on the corner of the road like any other building, but its grandeur is unmissable.
That being said, it is worth exploring it for yourself. Gent has some exciting things to see, so I recommend exploring the city’s sights and enjoying the little streets.
The medieval city of Ghent
Ghent is home to many beautiful historical buildings, some dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The medieval architecture is abundant in the city’s historic downtown area, making it a perfect place to explore for those interested in heritage.
The city also features several World Heritage sites, including the Castle of Gerald the Devil, near the impressive St Bavo’s Cathedral, Lakenhalle, and the Royal Dutch Theatre. Additionally, Ghent boasts numerous ancient churches like Sint-Niklaaskerk, Sint-Michielskerk, and Sint-Jacobskerk, as well as notable commercial buildings such as Groot Vleeshuis, Oude Vismijn, and Bond Moyson.
These buildings contribute to Ghent’s charming and enchanting cityscape, especially those situated along the canal and in the squares. Ghent offers an impressive amount of history packed into its small area.
Saint Michael’s Bridge: Saint Michael’s Bridge connects two sides of Ghent, and it is the only place in the city where you can see Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. Saint Nicholas’ Church is architecturally beautiful and is free to enter.
St. Michael’s Bridge is the perfect spot for hopeless romantics. The panoramic view offers a 360-degree perspective of the city, making it an excellent place to capture the heart of Ghent at twilight when the historical landmarks light up. Visit St. Michael’s Bridge and discover what makes the locals and visitors fall in love with Ghent.
Shopping: There are lots of cute little boutiques scattered throughout the city and the main shopping street.
Canal Tour: A canal tour is a great and efficient way to see the city.
Medieval Towers of Ghent: Saint Bavo’s Cathedral was built over a thousand years ago and is free to visit, but check the hours online before you go.
Museums: Ghent is home to many museums, from the Dr. Guislain Museum to the Design Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen. Be sure to check the websites for entrance fees and opening hours!
Getting to Ghent
Ghent is easily reached by train. The central train station is Gent-Sint-Pieters, half an hour from Brussels’s central station.
From the train station, you can easily walk or take the above-ground tram into the city center. We took the tram to the middle of the town and walked the rest.
*Train (Rail Europe) was (Round trip was 7.20Euro each.)
*The tram to the walking location. (all day pass 5.00Euro)
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Good To Know
One day of visiting Gravensteen Castle in Ghent-Belgium was enough to see the site and its surroundings.
The place is full of canals, beautiful, quiet corners, and street art, Ghent’s less-touristy alternative to Bruges. The streets are full of churches of all sizes.
Ghent, one of Belgium’s oldest cities, boasts medieval and classical architecture contrasting with a newer, urban feel.
*Gravensteen Castle (Entrance is 12.00 euros each.)
*Tickets with an audio guide cost 10 euros for adults. You can buy them in advance for specific time slots, which is best during weekends.
