Geeraard de Duivelsteen

No devil has ever lived in this stone. The impressive Geraard the devil stone owes its name to Geraard van Gent, a dodgy gentleman who owned this building in the 13th century. After his death, the stone came into the hands of the city council.
Geraard de Duivel was born around 1210 as the son of Zeger II, Viscount of Ghent. In official documents he called himself "Knight Geraard van Gent; nicknamed the Devil". There are several legends surrounding this lordship. He would have killed his father because he wanted his son to participate in a crusade. he would also have kicked his son to death. Furthermore, he occupied himself with "brasserie, infamy, and atrocities."

Over the centuries it has been used as a knight's residence, armory, monastery, school and episcopal seminary. In 1623 there was a madhouse for the insane and a home for male orphans. Another part of the building was used as a prison or detention center. (Source: Visitgent)

Over the centuries it has been used as a knight's residence, armory, monastery, school and episcopal seminary. In 1623 there was a madhouse for the insane and a home for male orphans. Another part of the building was used as a prison or detention center.