The Gravensteen is a Ghent castle which originated from the Middle Ages, long before Belgium came to be. Its name directly translates to ‘castle of the Counts’. Established in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, the original building was used as a courthouse and a prison. That was before it started to decay after years of being exposed to the harsh weather elements. It has since been reconstructed using the all-time reliable stone.

Expanded and renovated several time since the last major change since the 11th century, the Gravensteen even served as a factory at one point in time. Following centuries and administrative and non-administrative use, it finally lost its purpose when it failed to comply with the safety regulations of the 19th century. In 1885, the city of Ghent purchased the castle and commenced a refurbishment project until 1893. Major repair efforts were made throughout the interior to allow visitors to seemingly travel through time as they make their way to the top. The castle is still partially surrounded by a moat and a museum now sits inside, featuring various torture devices once used in Ghent. What a sensational experience it will be!