Castle Gravensteen in Ghent, Belgium
We had great plans for our time in Brussels. Aside from seeing the city itself, we wanted to take day trips to both Brugge and Ghent, plus several other things. Most of those plans went out the window before we even got to Belgium when we realized we were trying to do too much, so we eliminated almost everything outside of the city except a trip to Ghent. It’s supposedly less touristy than Brugge, and we really wanted to see the Castle Gravensteen.
There’s a moat!
I love castles, and I love the idea of a moat. Somehow that represents a true medieval castle to me, but rarely do the moats, water and all, still exist. But this castle has a moat, at least partially on one side, and this excited me. Here’s a look at the moat through the castle walls.
Inside and Out
Though Gravensteen Castle is centuries old, it has been repaired and restored, so it’s in great shape. The inside is mostly set up as a museum with old weapons, models, and plaques in each room that describe what the room was used for. Interesting information, but not too museum-y, which I liked. It still felt like a real castle on the inside, not like a museum that just happens to be in a museum.
Outside you can walk around on the walls and see the castle on one side, and the moat and parts of the city on the other side. It was really windy the day we were there, so we didn’t stay on the walls too long, but I really enjoyed the views from up there.
On top of Gravensteen Castle
My favorite part was when we were able to go up on top of the castle. Because it was so high up, we could see all around the city. But what I really liked was the sign letting us know that this was where “…the garrison could harass invaders. The projectiles were supplied through two hatches from a storage room.” I started imagining the French knights from Monty Python’s the Holy Grail throwing livestock over the side at King Arthur.
Visiting Castle Gravensteen
Ghent looked like a nice city to stay in for a few days, but if you’re coming as a day trip from Brussels like we did, the train takes about a half hour. We paid 9.60 euros per person for round trip train tickets. In Ghent, the public transportation tickets were 1.20 euros for a ticket that was valid for one hour. Entrance tickets to the castle cost 8 euros.
Ghent’s train station isn’t located very close to the center of town, but the trams are right out front. Take the number 1 line to get into the center. The castle is huge, you’ll see it on the right side of the tram as you’re going through the center.
Thanks to our friend Laurence from Finding the Universe for inspiring us to go to the castle he missed when he was in Ghent.
Also in Ghent: the Belfry
After exploring the castle and eating delicious waffles, we climbed the Ghent Belfry. Itβs a big bell tower and for just 5β¬ you can climb (or take the elevator most of the way) up the tower and see gorgeous views of the city. This is a view of St. Nicholas Church.
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- Loire Valley Castles and Wine Tasting Tour from Paris
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- How Much We Spent Traveling in Belgium
- Monty Python in My Back Yard
July 22, 2013 @ 7:21 PM
We have been to Ghent, but have not visited the castle. In vain.
July 22, 2013 @ 11:21 PM
Ah, maybe next time!
July 23, 2013 @ 3:22 AM
We also didn’t visit the castle, only stopped to take photos of it from the outside. We did enjoy Ghent and had one of the best waffles there!
July 23, 2013 @ 10:26 AM
What a shame, this was such an awesome castle! But yes, they sure did have amazing waffles in Ghent!
July 23, 2013 @ 11:12 AM
Now THAT looks like a real castle!
July 24, 2013 @ 7:27 PM
Exactly, I love it!
July 23, 2013 @ 12:50 PM
Stunning vistas and the castle is amazing, although I gotta wonder what’s in the moat :-/
July 24, 2013 @ 7:28 PM
You mean the little green bit towards the left? Trash I assume, unfortunately π
July 23, 2013 @ 4:59 PM
How did anyone ever walk around in that armor?
July 24, 2013 @ 7:28 PM
I know, right? Way too heavy!
July 24, 2013 @ 12:53 PM
Awesome that you guys got to see this – really looks like we missed out! Thanks for the shout out.. also, small typo alert.. Belgium is misspelt in the title π
July 24, 2013 @ 7:08 PM
I think my site was a bit embarrassed about that typo, it sent your comment to spam! Thanks for letting me know, of all places to misspell something!
July 26, 2013 @ 4:01 AM
Such beautiful images!!! I would love to explore around here. π
July 26, 2013 @ 3:05 PM
Thanks Krista! It really was neat to explore, I hope you get a chance to visit!
July 26, 2013 @ 5:20 PM
I too love castles, have visited quite some forts and palaces in India and they seem to all have stories hidden behind every wall!
July 27, 2013 @ 10:16 AM
I bet the forts and palaces in India are incredible!
July 28, 2013 @ 12:06 PM
Love the moat!! Love the views as well. As far as castles go, this one seems pretty awesome. I really enjoyed reading this. Happy travels <3
July 28, 2013 @ 5:50 PM
Thanks Lauren! It really was a great castle, I totally recommend visiting Ghent just for this castle.
August 4, 2013 @ 10:16 AM
I love this article. The castle is a true medieval castle in my opinion because it has the moat. No moat=not medieval enough in my opinion.
I would love to visit this place whilst sipping Belgian beer and eating chips with mayonnaise π
August 4, 2013 @ 12:36 PM
Thanks Matthew! I agree, I love the moat! I’m sure you could find some good beer and chips (or frites in Belgium) near Castle Gravensteen, but also nearby are some amazing waffles.
August 20, 2013 @ 3:39 PM
Loved Ghent when I was there a few years ago. I remember riding by the castle on a boat tour, If we head over to Ghent, Julia and I will swing by and actually go in this time.
August 21, 2013 @ 11:28 AM
The castle was so cool! I hope you’re enjoying your time in Belgium again!