A 12th-century fortress rises in central Ghent, its grey stone walls and circular towers jutting above the Leie River. This is the Gravensteen, or Castle of the Counts, and it looks somewhat out of place in Belgium. Count Philip of Alsace built this stronghold in 1180, modelling it on the Crusader castles he’d seen in Syria — complete with moat, battlements, dungeons, and a torture museum that children find both horrifying and fascinating.
If staying in Brussels, the Gravensteen is a key attraction on a Bruges and Ghent day tour from the Belgian capital.
Quick overview
Adult admission to the Gravensteen costs €15 (€13 for groups of 15+, €10.50 for Ghent residents). An audio guide is included in the ticket price, with two versions available: a historical tour or a “comedy” version presented by a Belgian comedian. The castle opens daily 10am–6pm, with last admission at 4:40pm.
The Gravensteen is in the city centre on Sint-Veerleplein square. Ghent’s historic core is largely car-free, making public transport or walking the sensible approach. The nearest tram stop (Gravensteen) is 100 metres away.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €15 adult (audio guide included) | Daily 10am–6pm | Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent | Under-12s, monthly residents’ Sunday | 4:40pm |
How much does the Gravensteen cost?
Standard admission is €15 for adults and includes a free audio guide in multiple languages.
Admission prices
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €15.00 | Ages 19+ |
| Group rate | €13.00 | Groups of 15+ people (not combinable with other discounts) |
| Ghent resident | €10.50 | Valid Ghent address |
| Young adult | €7.50 | Ages 19–25 |
| Teenager | €3.00 | Ages 13–18 |
| Child | Free | Under-12s (ticket still required) |
| UiTPAS Ghent | €10.50 | Valid UiTPAS card |
| UiTPAS social rate | €3.00 | UiTPAS holders at social rate |
| CityCard Ghent | Free | Valid CityCard required |
From 1 February 2026: Ghent residents enter free on the first Sunday of each month. Children and students from Ghent schools also receive free admission year-round, though online reservation is mandatory.
Teachers accompanying school groups enter free. Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities enter free. ICOM members and press (with valid credentials and appointment) also receive complimentary entry.
What time does the Gravensteen open?
Daily: 10am–6pm (last admission 4:40pm)
The castle opens seven days a week including weekends and most public holidays. Last admission is strictly enforced at 4:40pm to allow visitors time to complete their circuit before 6pm closing.
Annual closures: 24, 25, and 31 December; 1 January.
The castle remains open throughout the year including wet winter months, though visiting a medieval fortress in rain and cold requires appropriate clothing. Summer (June–August) sees the longest queues, particularly between 11am–3pm on sunny days.
Do I need to book Gravensteen tickets in advance?
Online booking is strongly recommended to guarantee entry, especially during summer months, weekends, and Belgian school holidays. Walk-up tickets are sold at the entrance subject to availability, but the castle operates capacity limits and you may be turned away during busy periods.
Online prices match on-the-day prices — there’s no premium for advance booking, just guaranteed entry. Tickets purchased online are non-refundable.
UiTPAS, CityCard, and voucher holders: You can book online by selecting the relevant ticket type, then present your card/voucher when tickets are checked at the entrance. CityCard holders may bypass online booking and present their card at the e-ticket gate.
Parking advice
Ghent’s historic centre is a low-emission zone where most cars are prohibited. Driving into the city centre is both difficult and unnecessary. The castle has no dedicated parking, and the nearest car parks are expensive.
Recommended approach: Park at one of the Park & Ride facilities on Ghent’s outskirts (P+R De Sterre, P+R Gentbrugge, P+R Wondelgem), then take the tram into the centre. P+R parking costs €2.50 per day; tram tickets cost €3 for a single journey or €7 for a day pass.
If you must park centrally:
- Vrijdagmarkt car park (300m from castle) — Underground facility, €3 per hour, daily maximum around €20
- Kouter car park (1km from castle) — €2.50 per hour
- Sint-Michiels car park (800m from castle) — €2.80 per hour
Street parking in the centre is extremely limited, residents-only in most areas, and expensive where available (€4+ per hour).
Public transport: Trams 1, 21, and 22 stop at Gravensteen (100m from castle entrance). Ghent-Sint-Pieters railway station connects to Brussels (30 minutes), Bruges (25 minutes), and Antwerp (50 minutes). From the station, take tram 1 toward Wondelgem/Evergem and alight at Gravensteen (10-minute journey).
If you just want to see the Castle of the Counts and you’re staying in Brussels, the easy way to do it is to book a Bruges and Ghent day tour.
History
Count Philip of Alsace constructed the Gravensteen in 1180 after returning from the Second Crusade. The design mimics Syrian fortresses he’d encountered in the Holy Land, particularly in its concentric defences and machicolations (floor openings for dropping projectiles on attackers).
The castle served as the primary residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353, when Louis II of Male moved his court to a more comfortable palace. Medieval nobility valued power over comfort — the Gravensteen was cold, draughty, and designed for defence rather than domestic convenience.
After the Counts abandoned it, the Gravensteen became a courthouse and prison. The dungeons housed criminals and political prisoners. Torture chambers operated well into the 18th century — the collection of torture instruments now on display is original equipment, not reproduction.
By 1800, the castle had fallen into severe disrepair. The city sold parts of the complex to private buyers who converted sections into workers’ housing and industrial workshops. By the mid-19th century, thirty families lived within the castle walls, and textile mills operated in the courtyard.
In 1885, the City of Ghent purchased the deteriorating castle and began restoration. Architect Joseph de Waele led the project, which continued until 1903. Some restoration choices were questionable by modern standards — de Waele “improved” the castle to match romantic medieval ideals rather than historical accuracy.
During World War I, German forces occupied Ghent and used Gravensteen as an administrative headquarters. The castle survived both world wars undamaged, largely because its stone construction made it valuable as a secure facility rather than a military target.
The castle opened as a museum in 1913. Renovations in 1980 and 2018 improved visitor facilities, though the castle retains its austere medieval character. No heating exists beyond the ticket office and shop — visiting in winter means experiencing authentic medieval discomfort.
What to see at the Gravensteen
The keep (donjon) rises in the castle’s centre, containing the Count’s residence. Climb to the roof for panoramic views across Ghent’s three medieval towers — St Bavo’s Cathedral, St Nicholas’ Church, and the Belfry. The rooftop is genuinely impressive, offering perspectives across the city’s historic core.
Medieval weaponry fills several rooms, including swords, pikes, crossbows, suits of armour, and siege equipment. The collection demonstrates how warfare evolved from hand-to-hand combat to artillery. Some pieces are original; others are high-quality reproductions. Signage doesn’t always clarify which is which.
The torture museum occupies the ground floor, displaying original instruments including the rack, Iron Maiden, guillotine, and various implements designed to inflict maximum pain. Parents should consider whether this is appropriate for younger children — the audio guide doesn’t sanitise the descriptions.
Dungeons in the basement demonstrate prison conditions from the 14th–18th centuries. These aren’t theatrical reconstructions — prisoners genuinely lived (and died) in these cells. The oubliette (a pit where prisoners were thrown and forgotten) is particularly grim.
Battlements encircle the castle at two levels. You can walk the defensive walls, examining arrow slits, murder holes, and the moat below. The spiral staircases connecting levels are narrow, steep, and worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. People with mobility issues will struggle.
The Stable Hall in winter hosts Winterbar Gravensteen (December–January), a seasonal bar serving drinks and food in atmospheric vaulted rooms. Free to enter even without a castle ticket, though seating is limited and operates on a first-come basis.
What’s included with your ticket?
- Self-guided castle tour with audio guide (included)
- Access to keep, dungeons, torture museum, weaponry collection
- Rooftop access for panoramic Ghent views
- Battlements walk around defensive walls
- Choice between historical audio tour or comedy version
- Children’s jester pin (find the jester character for a small gift)
Not included: storage for luggage or large backpacks (stables may accept items at your own risk if space available), food and drink (available at nearby cafés or seasonal Winterbar), guided tours with external tour operators (castle charges guides a fee).
Things to do near the Gravensteen
St Bavo’s Cathedral & Ghent Altarpiece (600m, 8-minute walk) — A Gothic cathedral housing the Van Eyck brothers’ Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, considered one of art history’s most influential paintings. The cathedral itself is free to enter; viewing the altarpiece costs €6 with CityCard or €16 without, and requires timed-entry booking. The recently restored altarpiece has vibrant colours and astonishing detail — it’s undeniably remarkable. Seven of the panels are currently being restored at the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK).
Graslei and Korenlei (350m, 5-minute walk) — Medieval guildhalls line both sides of the Leie River, creating Ghent’s most photogenic scene. These waterfront quays served as the city’s main harbour from the 11th–16th centuries. Today, cafés with outdoor seating occupy the ground floors, though they’re touristy and overpriced.
Patershol District (200m, 3-minute walk) — Ghent’s culinary quarter, a maze of cobbled streets lined with restaurants serving everything from Flemish stew to Japanese fusion. The area was once the tanners’ quarter — hence the narrow streets designed for manual trades rather than carriages. Huis van Alijn museum occupies former almshouses, displaying everyday life in Ghent from 1800–1960.
Belfry of Ghent (600m, 8-minute walk) — A 91-metre medieval tower, the tallest belfry in Belgium and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb 256 steps (extremely narrow spiral staircases) for city views. The climb is claustrophobic — you’ll squeeze past descending visitors on single-width stairs whilst standing on one foot. Skip this if you’ve already climbed the Gravensteen’s battlements.
St Michael’s Bridge (400m, 5-minute walk) — The best viewpoint for photographing Ghent’s three medieval towers (St Nicholas’ Church, Belfry, St Bavo’s Cathedral) aligned in a single shot. The bridge spans the Leie between Graslei and Korenlei. Visit early morning (before 9am) to photograph without crowds. The bronze St Michael statue depicts the archangel defeating a dragon.
Practical tips
Location and access: Gravensteen sits on Sint-Veerleplein square in central Ghent, beside the Leie River. The castle is 1.5km from Ghent-Sint-Pieters railway station (10-minute tram ride on line 1). Ghent itself lies 50km northwest of Brussels, 50km southwest of Antwerp, and 60km east of Bruges.
Getting there: By train, Ghent-Sint-Pieters connects to Brussels (30 minutes, €8–€12), Bruges (25 minutes, €7), and Antwerp (50 minutes, €10). Trains run every 15–30 minutes. From the station, tram 1 reaches Gravensteen stop in 10 minutes (€3 single). By car, driving into the city centre is discouraged — use P+R facilities on the outskirts. Walking from Ghent-Sint-Pieters takes 25 minutes through pleasant streets.
Time needed: Allow 1.5–2 hours for a thorough visit. The audio guide offers two versions: a 60-minute historical tour or a 45-minute comedy version. Many visitors spend longer on the battlements enjoying Ghent views. Rushed visitors can complete the circuit in 45 minutes, though this feels inadequate for such a significant castle.
What to wear: The castle has no heating except in the ticket office. In winter (November–March), wear warm layers, hat, and gloves — medieval stone absorbs cold. The battlements are exposed to wind year-round. Comfortable shoes with good grip are essential — stairs are steep, worn smooth, and can be slippery when wet. Wear trousers rather than skirts if planning to climb extensively.
Accessibility: The castle is not wheelchair accessible. Multiple steep spiral staircases connect different levels, and there’s no lift. The ground floor (ticket office, some torture museum displays) is accessible, but the keep, battlements, dungeons, and rooftop require climbing stairs. Visitors with mobility issues should contact the castle beforehand to discuss what sections they can access.
Photography: Permitted throughout for personal use without flash. The rooftop battlements offer the best Ghent photographs. Interior rooms photograph poorly due to low light levels designed to preserve artifacts. Commercial photography requires advance permission from [email protected].
Bags and storage: Large luggage and backpacks cannot be stored at the castle — there are no lockers or cloakroom. The stables may accept items at your own risk if space is available, but this isn’t guaranteed. If travelling with luggage, use storage facilities at Ghent-Sint-Pieters station (coin-operated lockers).
Dogs: Not permitted except guide dogs and assistance dogs. The spiral staircases and battlements are unsuitable for animals.
Food and facilities: No café exists within the castle. The seasonal Winterbar (December–January) serves drinks and food in the Stable Hall but isn’t always open. Toilets are located near the entrance. Sint-Veerleplein square has several cafés and restaurants. The Patershol district (3-minute walk) offers superior dining options to the touristy square.
Audio guide versions: The castle offers two audio guide versions — historical or comedy. The comedy version, presented by Belgian comedian Wouter Deprez, focuses on Count Philip’s life with humorous commentary. Some find it entertaining; others consider it annoying. Parents should note the comedy version contains mild swearing (“piss,” “bullshit”). Choose based on whether you prefer dry historical facts or irreverent humour.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday 10am–12pm) are quietest. Summer weekends and Belgian school holidays (Easter, July–August, October half-term) see hour-long queues. Winter is atmospheric but genuinely cold inside the unheated castle. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and manageable crowds.
FAQs
Is the Gravensteen suitable for young children? Children under 12 enter free, and many families visit successfully. However, consider the torture museum content — realistic instruments with graphic audio descriptions may disturb sensitive children. The dungeon oubliette (deep pit) where prisoners died is also grim. The steep spiral staircases require supervision. Children often enjoy finding the jester character to receive a small pin. Overall, it’s suitable for children 8+ interested in castles and medieval history.
How long does the audio guide take? The historical version runs approximately 60 minutes if you listen to everything. The comedy version is shorter at around 45 minutes. Most visitors spend 90–120 minutes total including time exploring beyond the audio guide stops, climbing battlements, and enjoying rooftop views. You can skip audio segments to move faster, but you’ll miss context.
Can you see the torture instruments without going through the whole castle? No. The torture museum occupies the ground floor, but you must purchase full castle admission to access it. There’s no separate “torture museum only” ticket. The layout requires following a set route through the castle — you cannot skip directly to specific sections.
Is Gravensteen better than other Belgian castles? Gravensteen is Belgium’s best-preserved medieval fortress and the most centrally located major castle (literally in Ghent’s city centre). Other notable Belgian castles include Bouillon (larger, more dramatic), Château de Beloeil (ornate palace rather than fortress), and Corroy-le-Château (privately owned, limited access). For medieval military architecture in an urban setting, Gravensteen is unmatched in Belgium.
