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Belgium
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Gent
Ghent

Gravensteen Castle

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Gravensteen Castle

Recommended by 385 cyclists out of 399

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    1. Cycling in Ghent

    37.8km

    02:12

    70m

    70m

    Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

    Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Tips

    June 29, 2021

    One of the largest moated castles in Europe is in Ghent. The Castle of the Counts was originally built in 1180 from Tournai bluestone and has seen a lot: It was the seat of the nobles, a court of justice and a prison.

    The stone complex is very extensive and even includes a torture museum. See the terrifying instruments once used, including a guillotine.

    Tip: borrow the 90-minute audio guide for a visit to delve deeper into the history of the castle in its heyday in the 12th century.

    Translated by Google •

      Fragment from our experience with our four grandchildren 'Audience in the Gravensteen - Ghent'
      For almost a thousand years, the mythical moated castle has determined the behavior and awe of every passer-by. Heralds announce the next round of audiences on top of the strong battlements of the castle with trumpets... Packed and dropped, we quickly descend like proud Flemish people to the residence of the Counts of Flanders, the 'Gravensteen'.
      On presentation of our pass, we catapult ourselves back in time a thousand years.
      The host - court jester 'Comedian Wouter Deprez' takes us through an audio guide through the rich past of the Counts of Flanders and the County of Flanders from the Middle Ages.
      The leading role in the castle is reserved for Philip of Elzas (° 1142 – +1191).
      Hofnar Wouter takes you into a world of itinerant graves, crusaders and courtly love in his idiosyncratic way. Completely in the spirit of the times, you step from room to room and thus make a historic trip through the past. To remain completely under the spell of the Middle Ages, the poetic stories in each room are illustrated by funny drawings by illustrator Randall Casaer. As accomplished squires we leave the castle with its imaginary inhabitants.

      Cling, cling, cling…
      The ringing signal of a tram takes us back to the present…
      It was nice to be back in time a thousand years. A visit to the Gravensteen is a must for young and old. An audition lasts approximately 90 minutes.
      Want to read the full experience? komoot.nl/tour/970751376
      Triggered? More tastemakers can be found in the many created highlights or in the city walks offered by Komoot.
      All our walking experiences can be found in my East Flanders collection
      komoot.nl/collection/1466033/-dwalen-op-oude-stadsverhalen-oost-vlaanderen
      Have fun watching and reading.

      Translated by Google •

        A visit to the mystical castle 'Het Gravensteen' cannot be missed on your to-do list during your city trip in Ghent. This important landmark in Ghent is a fortress with a very eventful history, closely intertwined with the complex and often turbulent political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining medieval moated castle with an almost intact defense system in Flanders. Your visit to the Gravensteen will give you a complete picture of knight culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, the rampart, the keep, the count's residence and the horse stables are accessible to visitors.

        Source: visit.gent.be

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 10 m

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          Location: Ghent, Gent, East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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