gravensteen castle history

The old wooden buildings surrounding the main castle on the motte were also replaced by stone buildings. See exhibitions, opening hours, admission prices, reviews and more! Read more. Recommended. Since the 1913 World Fair in Ghent, numerous cultural activities, events and parties have been held at the Gravensteen, which is now the city’s single most important tourist attraction. Over the course of the 18th century, the Gravensteen gradually lost its function as the administrative centre. Almost all the counts of the Flemish Region were building castles in the main cities in the county. Build in around 1180, the Gravensteen is sometimes called the Castle of the Counts (Chateau des Comtes). It is a medieval castle built in 1180 and located in Ghent, East Flanders in Belgium. Boat tours are offered daily between April and October, and on weekends between November and March. The Gravensteen Castle or the Castle of the Counts is a medieval castle is situated in the middle Ghent. Contents[show] History The present castle was built in 1180 by count Philip of Alsace and was modeled after the crusaders castles that Philip of Alsace encountered while he participated in the second crusade. One of the more majestic castles in Belgium is The Gravensteen (which in Dutch means the “Castle of the Counts”). Thank ULYSSES9999 . The Gravensteen was the seat of the Council of Flanders. To satisfy those with a more gory turn-of-mind, but also to give voice to the castle’s violent history, Gravensteen houses a collection of torture instruments actually used through the ages. Just amazing. They were sometimes subjected to gruesome torture in order to make them confess. Alternative name: nl Gerechts- en Wapenmuseum Gravensteen Manage this page. A must if you visit Ghent. A must if you visit Ghent. Used for centuries as a residence for the Counts of Flanders, the castle was later used as a prison (complete with torture chambers), a courthouse, and a … Why not share it with other people interested in history? In the ninth century, Count Baldwin II built fortifications at all strategic places in his realm to protect himself from attacks from outside. 1 review Gravensteen is a museum in Ghent in Belgium. With origins dating to the ninth century, Gravensteen Castle’s current building is circa 1180, when it was commissioned by Phillip of Alsace. It was a fascinating experience and an extremely enjoyable one because of the audio guide. It was used as a court and prison until the 18th century. Arnulf I (918–965), Count of Flanders, was the first to fortify this place, building a medieval bastion on this high sand dune, naturally protected by the river Leie and its marshy banks. In c. 1180, the castle burned down, presumably by accident. Then opt for the audio visit, voiced by Ghent comedian Wouter Deprez, and explore the castle and its surroundings with a smile on your face! The motte hill was made higher and wider. It was the home of Queen Margaret, who died there in 1093. During the Industrial Revolution, the Gravensteen was converted into a cotton mill by an industrialist who purchased the site. Around the same time, the entire bailey was given a thorough overhaul and became the home of the new stone Sint-Veerlekerk (Saint Pharaildis Church), which was consecrated on 30th June of the year 1216. It's absolutely free, easy, and you can do it even without registration (of course you an also create an free account)! History and stories The Castle of the Counts owes its existence to the Counts of Flanders. Discover Gravensteen in Ghent, Belgium: This fairytale castle was built as a show of power but was nearly torn down thanks to its history of torture. Gravensteen is Dutch for Castle of Counts. Gravensteen Castle was a terrific place to visit. Ghent's famous Castle of the Counts dates from the late 12th century (one of the oldest castles in Belgium). The entrance gate to the count’s fortress was reinforced with an outer gate, connecting to the stone enclosure, which had projecting turrets with machicolations and battlements for defence. 10:17. The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. History Sightseeing > > > > > > > Belgians passion Contact Blog Belgium map castle gravensteen. Bran Castle is often associated with the fictional vampire Count Dracula. It is the only medieval castle in Flanders defensive system that remained virtually untouched to this day. The name means 'castle of the counts' in Dutch. Arnulf I (918–965), Count of Flanders, was the first to fortify this place, building a medieval bastion on this high sand dune, naturally protected by the river Leie and its marshy banks. Website +32 9 225 93 06. Walking & Biking Tours. It is the only medieval castle in Flanders defensive system that remained virtually untouched to this day. The cross (crux) window that appears at the front of the building (and at the end of the chapel) gives away Philip’s crusader history. Gravensteen Castle, located in the Patershol District of Gent Belgium (Ghent) is a Medieval castle. Comedy audio tour; Footer. Gravensteen (Dutch for “Castle of the Count”) is a massive stone castle smack dab in the middle of a historic square in downtown Ghent. Ask ULYSSES9999 about Gravensteen. Gravensteen: Exercise, a bit of history and great castle - See 4,986 traveler reviews, 4,826 candid photos, and great deals for Ghent, Belgium, at Tripadvisor. An inscription in Latin above the entrance gate states that Count Philip (1168–1191) built this castle in 1180. The origins of the Gravensteen date to the reign of Arnulf I (890–965). The Gravensteen (Dutch; literally "Castle of the Counts") is a medieval castle at Ghent, East Flanders in Belgium. A weekend trip to Ghent is simply not complete without a visit to the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. The upper hall was purely residential. Explore on your feet—and never miss anything. A century later, the motte-and-bailey castle was constructed, consisting of a raised earthwork (the motte) and an enclosed courtyard (the bailey). October 20, 2020 November 29, 2020 dangelov@historicalcastles.com 1 Comment. Gravensteen Castle: Site of Gruesome Torture and Revolting Students The historic region of Flanders in Belgium is famous for its many medieval monuments and buildings. The hotel has 49 non-smoking rooms, all equipped with all modern comfort, free coffee and tea making facilities and Wi-Fi. Truly a unique location! The name means 'castle of the counts' in Dutch. The name means 'castle of the counts' in Dutch. Gravensteen: Castle of The Counts - See 5,010 traveler reviews, 4,851 candid photos, and great deals for Ghent, Belgium, at Tripadvisor. The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. Date of experience: September 2019. Gravensteen, one of the oldest intact castles in Belgium, is an integral part of the history and skyline of Ghent, and one of the most visited sites in the Low Countries. Also known as the Castle of the Counts, today this historical building is a tourist attraction, wedding venue and location for a variety of cultural activities. Nicole Roman wrote a review Feb 2020. The first stone of the current castle had to have been placed around the year 1000. Gravensteen is Dutch for Castle of Counts. I saw and heard the history of Gravensteen Castle on a free walking tour while in Ghent for a short time. In the 9 th century AD, Baldwin II built a wooden fortress on the site of the current castle, constructed to defend the area from the Vikings. The name means "castle of the count" in Dutch. Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, which dates to the 13th century, to see its soaring tower and the Ghent Altarpiece. In the Middle Ages, when Graventeen Castle was built, Europe was a very unsafe place. These are surrounded by a fortified, oval-shaped enceinte lined with 24 small échauguettes. Add Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) to your list of must-visit sights when in Ghent. 4 contributions. 3:05. The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. In 1491, however, the city of Ghent lost its minting activities because of its inhabitants’ rebellious attitude towards Maximilian I of Austria (1459-1519). Castles, History Museums. It got its name because the counts of Flanders occupied the castle from the time it was built in 1180 until 1353. Our most popular tours and activities. This was soon transformed into a motte-and-bailey castle which burnt down in around 1176.[1]. Fortunately, the project fell through due to a lack of interest. Read more. Why not share it with other people interested in history? A moat was dug around the castle, and the dug-up earth was used to create a mound around the stone central building. Gravensteen: Gravensteen Castle - See 4,985 traveler reviews, 4,826 candid photos, and great deals for Ghent, Belgium, at Tripadvisor. From 1353 to 1491, it was the site of Ghent's mint and private buildings were later constructed on or around the Medieval remains. Today, the landmark is a historical gem in the heart of Ghent; stop by to learn its often dark history … This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent past, closely intertwined with the complex—often stormy—political and social history of the city. A virtual visit is available on the official website. The Gravensteen, also known as the “Castle of the Count,“ is a castle in Ghent, originating from the Middle Ages. The hotel is ideally located in the centre of Ghent, opposite the famous castle Gravensteen, the 800 year old castle from which the Counts of Flanders ruled. The Council’s competence included serious criminal offences and lese-majesty. It remains open to the public. As well a protective citadel, the Gravensteen was intended to intimidate the burghers of Ghent who often challenged the counts' authority. History and stories. Subscribe to our newsletter. After ceasing to be the residence of the counts of Flanders, the castle entered a decline. During the Industrial Revolution, the Gravensteen was converted into a cotton mill by an industrialist who purchased the site. The Gory History of Gravensteen Castle in Ghent The Counts of Flanders dominated the region for most of the Middle Ages. © 2020 SpottingHistory.com. The original wooden bastion was rebuilt with stone in the 11 th Century, when it was infused with a little bit of luxury and a lot of local power. Eilean Donan Castle … Ghent, City of Arts and History - Duration: 3:05. philmotronic 52,976 views. There was probably also a tower. Continue your explorations to other nearby highlights. The Castle of the Counts of Flanders is known in Ghent as Gravensteen, flemish word that refers to the county seat. After ceasing to be the residence of the counts of Flanders, the castle entered a decline. The counts of Flanders had built castles in all the major cities of the county because they had to maintain law and order, they also continuously had to move from one castle to the other. The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. Starting in 1865 the City of Ghent, together with the Belgian State, began systematically buying back the buildings on the former motte from private individuals. There were 15 sections to the castle which included a room dedicated to torture devices and an interesting dungeon.The view of Ghent at the top of the castle is breathtaking. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. The Romanian castle resembles Castle Dracula, as described in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula (1897), in that both stand on rocky precipices and command spectacular views. But Stoker, an Irish writer, is … Helpful . Hotel Gravensteen is located in a 19th century building (1865). First built by Arnulf I, Count of Flanders, Gravensteen has been keeping watch over this spot on the Leie River for over 800 years. The Gravensteen is a medieval castle at Ghent, East Flanders in Belgium. The development plan included tearing down the castle, levelling the motte plateau and building two roads right across the plot. I was tempted to pay the entrance fee a second time just to listen to the audio guide again. It also has a sizeable moat, fed with water from the Lys. Thankfully, the city of Ghent purchased the castle … Long sword. Info page teasers. Gravensteen Castle Gravensteen Castle, locally simply known as Gravensteen, lies in the city of Ghent, in the East Flanders province in the Flemish region in Belgium. These castles were used to accommodate them, because the counts were constantly traveling from city to city in order to maintain law and order. Historical Castles . Today, only the name of the street Geldmunt (“money mint”) reflects this activity. Victims were detained in the semi-subterranean rooms, preventively or during their trials, in atrocious circumstances. The castle served as the seat of the Counts of Flanders until they abandoned the place in the 14th century. Updated information can be found here. Share. From 1353 to 1491, it was the site of Ghent's mint and private buildings were later constructed on or around the Medieval remains. It’s not the first castle to be built on the Lieve in Ghent; Archaeologists have found evidence of at least three other wooden castles under the foundation of the castle. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. The name means "castle of the count" in Dutch. vertical divider. Gravensteen was the centre of justice and administration for the region, which included prison cells and of course, given the time period, torture. From 1180 until 1353, the Gravensteen was the residence of the Counts of Flanders. In 1885, the city of Ghent purchased the castle, saving it from demolition. Gravensteen. Gravensteen Castle in Ghent -- Belgium - Duration: 10:17. dial2fast 15,515 views. Corfe, England. The decision to leave was taken by Louis of Male (1330–1384) who transferred the court to the nearby Hof ten Walle.[1]. [1] De Waele was inspired the approach of the French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and attempted to restore the castle to its imagined appearance in the 12th century. The hotel is ideally located in the centre of Ghent, opposite the famous castle Gravensteen, the 800 year old castle … According to Finnish Folklore, this land is the location of Father Christmas’ secret workshop, where toys, trinkets and gifts are made and eventually wrapped by gnomes. Gravensteen. The Castle of the Counts owes its existence to the Counts of Flanders. The Gravensteen Castle was first built by Count Philip of Alsace in 1180, long before Belgium was a country. Read more. Parts of the castle were bought up gradually by the City of Ghent which began a major restoration in a romanticising Gothic style between 1893 and 1907 under the architect Joseph de Waele. By the second half of the 19th century, the outdated buildings were no longer in line with safety regulations, which had become stricter, so the businesses moved to the outskirts of the city. No one has lived in the building for centuries, yet it is neither empty nor abandoned! Would you like to visit the Castle of the Counts with a touch of humour? But Stoker, an Irish writer, is … Houses were built right up against the castle’s hearty walls, though by the 1800s, demolition plans were made. At the gate, Brismaille built an executive residence. A cruise on the canals is a good way to view Ghent’s highlights and learn about it’s history from an entertaining boat driver. The mighty Gravensteen Castle in the center of Ghent is one of the largest moated castles in Europe. Many details added during this period, such as the flat roofs and the windows of the eastern outbuilding, are not thought to be historically accurate. You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory. Gravensteen Castle: Site of Gruesome Torture and Revolting Students The historic region of Flanders in Belgium is famous for its many medieval monuments and buildings. Gravensteen Castle, Gent By Denzil on November 3, 2016 • ( 15 Comments ) If castles are what are interesting your children at the moment, then a trip to Gravensteen Castle or the Castle of the Counts in Gent is definitely on the “To Do” list. Gravensteen is a museum in Ghent in Belgium. The Castle of the Counts is a medieval fortress in the city centre with charming corridors, narrow tower stairs, high rooms, and real battlements. The 'Gravensteen' castle or the castle of the count, is a medieval build castle in Ghent. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city. In 1907 the restored parts of the Gravensteen were opened to the public. One of Belgium’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, Gravensteen Castle (also known as the Castle of the Counts) boasts thick stone walls, crenellated towers, and a history laced with intrigue and torture. The castle served as the seat of the Counts of Flanders until they abandoned the place in the 14th century. Tours & Sightseeing. Korvatunturi is a fell in Lapland, located within Urho Kekkonen National Park in the municipality of Savukoski. Browse our largest collection of experiences . Source. Up until the 14th century, the castle acted as the seat of the counts of Flanders, later becoming a courthouse, a prison, and a factory. Gravensteen was the centre of justice and administration for the region, which included prison cells and of course, given the time period, torture. Baldwin I, rebuilt and expanded by the count gravensteen castle history Flanders until 1353 ’ offices and dungeons 300 of are... Smaller buildings saw and heard the history of Gravensteen castle or the castle and converted it into Industrial. Enjoyable one because of the Counts ( Chateau des Comtes ) Gravensteen was seat. Flemish word that refers to the castle … Modeled after crusaders ' castles, about 300 which! Home of Queen Margaret, who died there in 1093 official website March... 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