Gravensteen

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Top 1% of attractions in Ghent
8 / 10

5 expert reviews

“This fairytale castle was built as a show of power but was nearly torn down thanks to its history of torture. ”

– Atlas Obscura

Frommer's Frommer's
"It's safe to say that the castle's very appearance did much to instill the awe and fear necessary to keep the people of Ghent in line." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"The counts of Flanders’ quintessential 12th-century stone castle comes complete with moat, turrets and arrow slits." Full review
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"Going here and seeing all the instruments of torture really sent shivers down my spine." Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"Modeled after a Crusader's castle in modern-day Syria, was built in 1180 by the Count of Flanders on top of an existing fortress...today's brooding castle has little in common with the original " Full review