[2025 Ghent Attraction] Travel Guide for Gravensteen (Updated Feb)

🌎In the heart of Europe, Belgium is like a shining pearl, waiting for every traveler to uncover its mystery. Traveling to Belgium by car is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual baptism. Walk through ancient streets, visit medieval churches, taste authentic food, and experience the unique romance and style of Belgium. Let’s embark on this classic self-driving tour of Belgium and experience the beauty of the blend of history and culture. ⭐️Route recommendations 🚩Brussels→Ghent→Antwerp→Brussels 🌼Daily schedule DAY1: Art Mountain-Atomium-St. Hubert Arcade-50th Anniversary Park DAY2: St. Michael's Bridge-Count's Castle-Ghent Art Museum-St. Bavo's Cathedral DAY3-4: Antwerp Grand Place-Rubens House-Riverside Museum-Antwerp Zoo-Royal Antwerp Art Museum-Saint Anne Beach-Plantin-Moretus Museum DAY5: Saint-Michel and Saint-Gudula Cathedral-Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium-Belgian Comics Center 🌸The self-driving mileage is about 170 kilometers. The recommended travel time is 4-5 days. It is suitable for tourists who like humanities and history. 💖Overview of attractions ✔️Mont des Arts: A historical site located in the center of Brussels, it has now become an art district with a strong artistic temperament. Walking around the Mont des Arts, in addition to visiting museums, art galleries and other attractions, the unique viewing position allows you to have a bird's-eye view of the charming city of Brussels. ✔️St. Michael's Bridge: a famous bridge in Ghent. Standing on the bridge and seeing the guild buildings of Ghent across the Les River, including three churches and the castle in the distance, is one of the best places to photograph the city. ✔️Antwerp Grand Square: The city center of Antwerp is located and is one of the important landmarks of Antwerp. There are many Flemish-style buildings around, and the ground floors of some buildings are now used as restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. It is a good choice to sit down and have a rest or buy souvenirs. ✔️St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral: This is a Gothic cathedral. It shows the simple linearity of Gothic architecture and is very grand. The front facade of the church has two symmetrical towers with a height of 69 meters. It adopts the rare flame Gothic style with simple and sharp reliefs. The south tower of the church has 49 bells made by the Royal Bell Factory, and people can enjoy its beautiful bells during Sunday concerts. #trip # Self-driving # Car rental # Self-driving tour

#europetrip Ghent, a picturesque city in Belgium, is renowned for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the Flanders region, it boasts well-preserved historical buildings, including the Gravensteen Castle and the stunning St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece. The city is crisscrossed by scenic canals and features a lively town center with bustling markets, cafes, and shops. Known for its rich history, dynamic arts scene, and annual festivals like the Gentse Feesten, Ghent combines historical charm with modern vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for visitors.

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.

The Count's Castle in Ghent, Belgium 🔹This moated castle was built in 1180 AD. Originally in Roman times, wooden walls and fortresses were built here. Later in the Middle Ages, the Count of Flanders built a castle here with stones. At that time, stone buildings were used to highlight one's wealth and power. 🔸After countless changes through the ages, the castle is still as majestic as ever! It blends in with the modern city without any strong sense of disobedience. Instead, it adds an avant-garde sense of the times. The castle can be visited inside, and the ticket price is 13 euros. #Belgium #Ghent #castle

Ghent allows everyone to enjoy the historical traces and fashionable hipster style at the same time. It also has the most beautiful and romantic canal view in Europe 😝👀 Because this city is relatively small, you can walk all day long! The first stop is the St. Michel Bridge 😍 Since the bridge spans the banks of the River Rhee, the banks of the Grain and the banks of the Vanilla River, locals and travelers will come to enjoy the beauty from morning to evening🤤 Another stop is the Count of Brabant's Castle 🥰 This castle was once a prison court mint to modern times it has become a museum of torture instruments and guillotines like to see ancient castle architecture and walk the museum Don't miss it!

It was a solo trip to Brussel and Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪 Belgium is a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern flair, making it a fantastic destination for solo travelers. From cobblestone streets to grand architecture, there are endless photo opportunities 📸 I started the journey in Brussels with a visit to the iconic Grand Place, the city’s central square. This UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by stunning guildhalls, the Town Hall, and the King’s House. Early morning ☀️ was the best time to capture the beauty of the square, as the sunlight bathed the ornate facades in a warm glow ✨ and there were fewer crowds. I took plenty of pictures of the intricate architecture and the surrounding buildings reflecting in the cobblestones. If you’re a fan of history and beautiful squares, I would definitely recommend starting your trip here 🙌 📍Grand Place – 1000 Brussels, Belgium I also visited the Atomium, one of Brussels’ most unique landmarks. This futuristic building, shaped like an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, offers striking photo opportunities 📸 both from the outside and within. I would recommend exploring the area around it, where you can capture the sleek structure against the skyline. The surrounding Heysel Park is also worth exploring. I wandered through its green spaces and took photos of the Atomium from various angles. 📍Atomium – Square de l’Atomium, 1020 Brussels, Belgium I took a morning train 🚆 to Ghent, a city with a vibrant medieval heart. I visited Gravensteen Castle 🏰 a medieval fortress that’s right in the center of the city. I would recommend getting there early to photograph the imposing stone structure without many people around. The castle’s towers and moat made for some dramatic shots, especially in the early light ✨ Afterward, I explored the Graslei Quay, one of the most beautiful spots in Ghent, with its picturesque buildings lining the river. The views here are perfect for snapping photos of the iconic architecture reflected in the water 🙌 📍Gravensteen Castle – Gravensteen 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium To round off my visit to Ghent, I also explored St. Bavo’s Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and the famous “Ghent Altarpiece.” I took some time to photograph the cathedral’s grand façade and its intricate interior 👌 The stained glass windows inside, along with the beautiful vaulted ceilings, are a photographer’s dream 📸 Afterward, I wandered around the nearby Korenmarkt square, a bustling area full of life and local cafés, perfect for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Ghent 🙌 📍St. Bavo’s Cathedral – Sint-Baafsplein 16, 9000 Ghent, Belgium I’d recommend starting each day early to get the best light ✨ and the quietest moments for photography. Belgium is full of charm, and there’s no better way to capture its beauty than by wandering through its cobblestone streets, medieval squares, and stunning landmarks 🙌🙌🙌 #solotrip #travel #vacation

#europetravel The Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) is a medieval castle in the city of Ghent in Belgium. It is a relatively small castle, compared with other European castles, but it is definitely worth visiting if you go to Gent, especially with children. It has typical castle features: charming corridors, narrow tower stairs, and high rooms. It is special because of its location: it is located in the centre of the old town of Ghent. When you climb up to the high towers you can enjoy the stunning view of the old town of Gent. It is also surrounded by water and easily be viewed from the Leie River in the old town, where the nicest medieval buildings are located. The exhibition is well-designed for kids and they would be amused with the stories behind the castle. #heritage #gravensteen #gent #belgium

#newyearnewtrip Castle of the Counts in Ghent, also known as Gravensteen, is located in the historic center of Ghent. This medieval fortress is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city of Ghent, Belgium. Gravensteen is a classic example of a medieval castle, with thick stone walls, defensive towers, battlements, and a moat. The keep (central tower) is the tallest structure in the castle, offering panoramic views of the city of Ghent from the top.

Gravensteen Castle, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval castle located in the center of Ghent, Belgium. Built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders, the castle was intended to showcase his power and defend against enemies. Today, it stands as one of Belgium's most significant historical landmarks and one of Ghent's most popular tourist attractions. Upon entering Gravensteen Castle, you will be captivated by its majestic architecture. The high walls, towers, and moat are typical features of a medieval castle. The design of the castle is both practical and artistic, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of medieval artisans. As you tour the castle, you can explore various rooms and exhibition areas. The interior houses numerous medieval artifacts, including weapons, armor, and instruments of torture, offering visitors a deeper understanding of life and warfare during that era. The dungeon is particularly noteworthy, as it once held prisoners, evoking thoughts of dark historical tales. From the top of the castle's tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful cityscape of Ghent. The red-tiled roofs and winding rivers create a picturesque scene that is perfect for photography, allowing you to capture precious travel memories. In addition to its architecture and historical displays, Gravensteen Castle frequently hosts various events and performances, including medieval knight tournaments and historical reenactments. These activities provide an immersive experience of medieval life and culture, adding to the castle's vibrant atmosphere. A visit to Gravensteen Castle offers not only a rich historical ambiance but also an educational experience, allowing you to learn about medieval life and culture. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, the castle promises a memorable and enriching experience. The city of Ghent is made even more enchanting by the presence of Gravensteen Castle. As you stroll through this medieval city, be sure to visit the castle to personally experience the weight and grandeur of history and discover your own Ghent story.

Gravensteen in Ghent. A great city to visit.

Did you only go to Brussels when you came to Belgium? Then you will suffer a big loss! Today I would like to recommend an unpopular town that Chinese people rarely go to: Ghent. ❣️Ghent guided tour Ghent is known as one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe. You can visit the entire town in half a day. Cruise ships, castles, and graffiti constitute the unique scenery of this small town. 🎀All the attractions in the small town are basically within walking distance. I heard that small concerts and music festivals are held here every week, which is quite lively. 🔆Ghent cruise The best way to visit Ghent is by boat! The cruise location is the famous local Vanilla Riverbank. The streets along the river are bustling with restaurants, bars and colorful houses, quite European in style. At the turn of spring and summer, it is very pleasant to enjoy the breeze on a cruise ship. 🔆Earl's Castle The appearance of this castle is quite medieval, and the entrance fee is 13 euros. The castle is quite big inside and it takes almost an hour to walk around. It is worth mentioning that the observation deck on the top floor is a bit tiring for those who are not physically fit to climb up, but you can see the whole city. It is recommended to go in the evening, the sunset is still beautiful. 🔆Graffiti Street The graffiti street we accidentally discovered is in a long alley, colorful and gives people a strong visual impact. Just shoot casually and it will make a great film. When I went there, I happened to see two little brothers drawing graffiti, which was quite interesting.

Nestled in the heart of Flanders, Ghent is a city where time appears to stand still, and every cobblestone, canal, and corner tells a story. Far less trodden than its famous neighbor, Bruges, Ghent exudes an authentic medieval charm blended with vibrant contemporary life. My journey into this enchanting city revealed a tapestry of history, art, and culture that captivates the soul. The Gravensteen Castle, a fortress dating back to the Middle Ages, was my first encounter with Ghent's storied past. Towering over the city with its imposing walls and moat, the castle transported me to a time of knights and legends. Exploring its halls and dungeons, I was struck by the tales of power, resistance, and daily life that echoed off the ancient stones. Strolling along the Graslei and Korenlei, the city's historic port, was like walking through a living museum. The beautifully preserved guild houses, each with its own unique facade, reflected in the tranquil waters of the canal, creating a picturesque scene of harmony and architectural beauty. These banks, once bustling with traders and artisans, now serve as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, drawn by the allure of the past and the tranquility of the water. Ghent's artistic heritage was most profoundly felt in the Saint Bavo's Cathedral, home to the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers. This masterpiece of early Northern Renaissance art, with its intricate detail and luminous colors, offered a window into the spiritual and cultural aspirations of its time. The cathedral itself, a magnificent structure of Gothic grandeur, stood as a testament to the city's wealth and artistic patronage through the centuries. Visiting Ghent was an immersion into a city where the medieval and the modern coexist in effortless harmony. It's a place that invites exploration and contemplation, offering a unique blend of historical depth and vibrant living. Ghent, with its understated charm and rich cultural tapestry, is a reminder of the enduring magic that historical cities hold in our collective imagination. #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip

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.

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

📍Gravensteen Castle 🕡Opening hours: 10:00~20:00 🎟️Admission: Adults 12 euros ◽️It is also called Gravensteen Castle or Count's Castle. I didn't go inside, but they say there are torture devices, torture chambers, and medieval weapons on display. If you cross the street where the tram passes, you will see St. Michael's Bridge. 📍St. Michael's Bridge and surroundings ◽️Time travel to the Middle Ages is possible! The famous tourist attractions are all gathered here, so if you go to Ghent, be sure to stop by! #TouristAttractionReview #BelgiumTravel #GhentTravel

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.