Discover The Gravensteen Castle in Ghent
Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Belgium, is an iconic landmark and a testament to its rich history. This impressive fortress, once home to the region’s counts and dukes, stands today as a magnificent embodiment of medieval architecture, inviting visitors to delve into its captivating past.
Visitors are invited to wander through the castle’s imposing walls, immersing themselves in the intricate details of its 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.
Gravensteen Castle is a must-see for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an unforgettable experience. It is easily accessible, and guided tours are 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 said, it is worth exploring Gent for yourself. Gent has some exciting things to see, so I recommend seeing 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. Medieval architecture is abundant in the city’s historic downtown area, making it an ideal destination for heritage enthusiasts.
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, including 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: This bridge connects the two sides of Ghent and is the only place in the city where Saint Bavo’s Cathedral can be seen. 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.
Canal Tour: A canal tour is a great and efficient way to see the city.
Medieval Towers of Ghent: Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, built over a thousand years ago, is open to the public, and admission is free.
However, could you check the hours online before you go?
Museums: Ghent is home to numerous museums, including the Dr. Guislain Museum, the Design Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Arnold Vander Haeghen Museum. Please ensure you check the websites for entrance fees and hours of operation.
Shopping: The city is home to numerous charming boutiques and its main shopping street.
Getting to Ghent
Ghent is easily reached by train. The central train station is Gent-Sint-Pieters, located half an hour from Brussels 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 center of town and walked the rest of the way.
*Train (Rail Europe) was (Round trip was 7.20 Euro each.)
*The tram to the walking location. (all-day pass 5.00 Euro)
Good To Know
One day was all I needed to visit Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Belgium—and honestly, it was just right. I had plenty of time to explore the castle and wander around the area.
The city has this charming vibe, with canals weaving through it, quiet little corners to stumble upon, and some cool street art tucked away here and there. It’s like Bruges’ artsy, less-touristy cousin.
Walking through the streets, it felt like there was a church on every corner—big ones, small ones, all kinds. Ghent is one of the oldest cities in Belgium, and its rich history is evident in the blend of medieval and classical architecture.
But at the same time, there’s this fresh, urban energy that gives the city a nice contrast.
*Gravensteen Castle (Entrance: 12.00 euros each.)*
Tickets with an audio guide cost € 10 for adults. You can buy them in advance for specific time slots, which is best during weekends.
Day Trip Info!!
We love walking. This is an excellent way to get to know a new city, see the main sights, and learn some history in the process. Depending on the itinerary, we usually walk or take the hop-on, hop-off bus.
Tours & Experiences
This is the fun part! For bucket-list activities, I usually check Viator and GetYourGuide. Sometimes one has tours that the other doesn’t, so I always browse both—why limit myself, right?
“Get Your Guide”, which offers a wide range of tours for every interest and budget.
If you like walking, you might look into
Or
More Resources Info….
