The Gravensteen Castle

The Gravensteen is a medieval castle at Ghent, East Flanders in Belgium. The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city. The origins of the Gravensteen date to the reign of Arnulf I (890–965). The site, which sat between two branches of the Lys river, was first fortified around 1000, initially in wood and later in stone. This was soon transformed into a motte-and-bailey castle which burnt down in around 1176. The current castle dates to 1180 and was built by Philip of Alsace (1143–1191) on the site of the older fortification. It may have been inspired by crusader castles witnessed by Philip during the Second Crusade. As well a protective citadel, the Gravensteen was intended to intimidate the burghers of Ghent who often challenged the counts' authority. It incorporates a large central donjon, a residence and various smaller buildings. These are surrounded by a fortified, oval-shaped enceinte lined with 24 small échauguettes. It also has a sizeable moat, fed with water from the Lys. #awesomepic#historicculture#beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#culturalattractions

Climb up here to see the famous 'three towers' skyline of Ghent, Belgium

The Gravensteen (Dutch for 'Castle of the Count') is a medieval castle located in the historic city of Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪. It is one of the only remaining castles in the Flanders region with an almost intact defense system, including a moat. The current castle dates back to 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. Visiting the Gravensteen is an absolute must when in Ghent, as it is also the best spot to admire the Ghent skyline. By climbing to the top of the castle's watchtower, you can see the skyline formed by Ghent's famous three tallest ancient buildings. The castle is open daily, with an entrance fee of 13 euros, which includes an audio guide. The visit can take approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Experiencing the Beauty of Gent

Immerse yourself in the enchanting city of Gent, where cobblestone streets and picturesque canals create a romantic and idyllic atmosphere. Discover the stunning architecture, from medieval buildings to the Gothic-style St. Bavo's Cathedral. Take a leisurely stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei, lined with colorful buildings and charming cafes. Indulge in delicious Belgian cuisine, try the famous Ghent cone-shaped pralines and sample local beers. Don't miss the iconic Belfry of Ghent for panoramic city views. Gent is a hidden gem that will captivate you with its beauty and history.

Mighty Gravensteen, Ghent

Gravensteen in Ghent is an absolute gem that took my breath away! As a visitor, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of this medieval fortress. It's a place that stirs up emotions and makes you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale. From the moment I caught sight of Gravensteen, I knew I was in for a truly unforgettable experience. The castle's towering walls and imposing presence made me feel like I was entering a different world, a world of knights and noble deeds. Once inside, I was completely captivated by the enchanting atmosphere. The castle's interior is a treasure trove of history and charm. Walking through the ancient stone corridors, I couldn't help but imagine the stories that must have unfolded within these walls. The faded tapestries and time-worn artifacts only added to the sense of wonder and curiosity that enveloped me. But the real highlight of my visit was ascending the spiral staircase to the top of the castle. The view from up there was nothing short of breathtaking! I felt like I had the entire city of Ghent at my feet. The sight of the charming rooftops and winding canals stretching into the distance was a sight I'll never forget. It was a moment of pure magic, and I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to the city's rich history. Gravensteen isn't just a tourist attraction; it's a place that touches your heart. It's a reminder of the incredible achievements of those who came before us and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a bygone era. As a visitor, I felt a sense of awe and gratitude for the opportunity to experience such a remarkable place. If you're visiting Ghent, Gravensteen is an absolute must-see. Prepare to be transported to a world of knights and castles, where history comes alive before your eyes. It's an emotional journey that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. #mytripvlog#tripblazers#awesomepic#celebratewithtrip#couplestrip

Christmas Away From Home: Celebrating in Our Own Adventurous Style 🎅🚀

Instead of staying home, we decided to decorate a Christmas tree and embark on an exciting journey, exploring new destinations and creating unique holiday memories.

This 13th-century castle was originally used for defensive use until the 19th century was bought by the Italian Duke as a private residence. However, the Duke died two years after his marriage, and the owner of the castle became the wife of the Duke. She stays here for three weeks a year and goes hunting in the nearby forest. Because the hostess studied history when she was at school, she was very interested in the history of the Middle Ages and collected a lot of works of art. In addition to some of the works exhibited in the castle, she donated a lot to the Louvre. In 1923, the hostess died, and because she had no children, she donated the castle to the Belgian government. Since 1924, it has been transformed into a museum, which is open to the public from April to November every year.