Image of history, castle, european - 82394272 The Castle of the Counts owes its existence to the Counts of Flanders. 3:05. 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. Bran Castle is often associated with the fictional vampire Count Dracula. The castle of Gravensteen is situated in Ghent, in the middle of the town. 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. 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. Source . 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. It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration! It was even scheduled for demolition. I saw and heard the history of Gravensteen Castle on a free walking tour while in Ghent for a short time. The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. 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. Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, which dates to the 13th century, to see its soaring tower and the Ghent Altarpiece. Thankfully, the city of Ghent purchased the castle … The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, when Graventeen Castle was built, Europe was a very unsafe place. Gravensteen. Its name literally means “Ear Fell” in Finnish due to its unique shape. Gravensteen: Gravensteen Castle - See 4,985 traveler reviews, 4,826 candid photos, and great deals for Ghent, Belgium, at Tripadvisor. 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. October 20, 2020 November 29, 2020 dangelov@historicalcastles.com 1 Comment. Photo about Interior of the Medieval Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Belgium. The mighty Gravensteen Castle in the center of Ghent is one of the largest moated castles in Europe. Remnants of this are still visible to this day in the eastern outbuilding and in the count's residence. There’s plenty to enjoy even today! Typically they would only be in preventive custody a few days, just prior to their trials, but there were horrifying exceptions. Build in around 1180, the Gravensteen is sometimes called the Castle of the Counts (Chateau des Comtes). Explore on your feet—and never miss anything. In the ninth century, Count Baldwin II built fortifications at all strategic places in his realm to protect himself from attacks from outside. 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. This was soon transformed into a motte-and-bailey castle which burnt down in around 1176.[1]. 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. Gravensteen, or the Castle of the Counts, is the jewel in Ghent’s historical crown. The name means "castle of the count" in Dutch. Why not share it with other people interested in history? Unique audio tour and visio guide. 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. 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 was slated to be demolished and sold as a building lot. It was the home of Queen Margaret, who died there in 1093. History and stories The Castle of the Counts owes its existence to the Counts of Flanders. The Gravensteen is a medieval castle at Ghent, East Flanders 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. Gravensteen Castle in Ghent -- Belgium - Duration: 10:17. dial2fast 15,515 views. The castle was initially designed as a defensive fortress. History. Gravensteen Castle, located in the Patershol District of Gent Belgium (Ghent) is a Medieval castle. Home Belgium Ghent Gravensteen. The motte hill was made higher and wider. 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. Gravensteen, a medieval castle in the middle of the city, is one of the best-known and most popular. It was a fascinating experience and an extremely enjoyable one because of the audio guide. Known as the Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle was built on an extinct volcano and has a history dating back to at least the 2nd century AD. The name means "castle of the count" in Dutch. Visit the torture museum within the castle walls. Subscribe to our newsletter. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city. Enter your email address and password to log on. See exhibitions, opening hours, admission prices, reviews and more! Tours & Sightseeing. Gravensteen is a museum in Ghent in Belgium. There’s plenty to enjoy even today! Browse our largest collection of experiences . In 1888 the dismantling works began, and practically everything that was not made from Tournai limestone was demolished, laying bare the impressive remains of the medieval castle. During the Industrial Revolution, the Gravensteen was converted into a cotton mill by an industrialist who purchased the site. The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. The Gravensteen, depicted in Flandria Illustrata (1641), View of the Gravensteen's gatehouse in 1823, prior to the restoration, Photochrom picture of the castle in the 1890s, probably during the restoration, The Gravensteen, seen from the south-east, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gravensteen&oldid=975433385, Buildings and structures completed in 1180, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 28 August 2020, at 13:46. 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. An imposing fortress that looms over the city of Ghent, Gravensteen Castle is not necessarily pretty, and that’s how it was intended to be. It also has a sizeable moat, fed with water from the Lys. Motte-and-bailey castles were quite widespread in the 11th and 12th centuries. It was even scheduled for demolition. Historical Castles . No one has lived in the building for centuries, yet it is neither empty nor abandoned! One of the more majestic castles in Belgium is The Gravensteen (which in Dutch means the “Castle of the Counts”). Gravensteen is Dutch for Castle of Counts. Castles, History Museums. New buildings were erected for both courts: courtrooms, clerks’ offices and dungeons. Ghent, City of Arts and History - Duration: 3:05. philmotronic 52,976 views. This initiative was prompted by the actions of a small group of Ghent’s citizens, fostering a spirit of historic preservation, both in politics and in public opinion. It's absolutely free, easy, and you can do it even without registration (of course you an also create an free account)! The architect in charge, Jozef De Waele, opted for a romantic interpretation of the castle back in the time of Count Philip of Alsace. They were sometimes subjected to gruesome torture in order to make them confess. The origins of the Gravensteen date to the reign of Arnulf I (890–965). In 1907 the restored parts of the Gravensteen were opened to the public. Half of the building borders a natural water hinder, the river Leie, which was an enormous advantage for the defence of the castle. 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. 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. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. Walking & Biking Tours. The origin goes back to a wooden building that was probably built by … In 1491, however, the city of Ghent lost its minting activities because of its inhabitants’ rebellious attitude towards Maximilian I of Austria (1459-1519). The Castle of the Counts is a medieval fortress in the city centre with charming corridors, narrow tower stairs, high rooms, and real battlements. Corfe, England. Gravensteen. Comedy audio tour. Read more. Hotel Gravensteen is located in a 19th century building (1865). As well a protective citadel, the Gravensteen was intended to intimidate the burghers of Ghent who often challenged the counts' authority. Get the full experience and book a tour. 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 existing buildings now housed cotton mills, a metal construction workshop and some fifty working-class families. It remains open to the public. The archaeological excavations in Gravensteen have been able to rule that, in the present location of the castle, came to be built up to three strengths above, all of them made in wood. But Gravensteen is full of historical significance and an incredible structure. 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. The first stone of the current castle had to have been placed around the year 1000. Helpful . It is said, that the castle is the only place in the country, where today you still can see the living conditions of the inhabitants during the Middle Ages. The Gravensteen Castle or the Castle of the Counts is a medieval castle is situated in the middle Ghent. It's worth checking out for sure. The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. I was tempted to pay the entrance fee a second time just to listen to the audio guide again. Gravensteen Castle was a terrific place to visit. The Gravensteen, also known as the “Castle of the Count,“ is a castle in Ghent, originating from the Middle Ages. 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. vertical divider. 4 contributions. Updated information can be found here. The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. 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. History Sightseeing > > > > > > > Belgians passion Contact Blog Belgium map castle gravensteen. An inscription in Latin above the entrance gate states that Count Philip (1168–1191) built this castle in 1180. The Gravensteen was the centrepiece of the Ghent World Fair of 1913 during which the city centre was significantly reshaped. Around 1176. [ 1 ] Ghent, city of Arts and -... 3:05. philmotronic 52,976 views a mound around the year 1000 they abandoned place! 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