Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is a castle that is located in Ghent, Belgium. It was built during the end of the 12th century by Philip of Alsace, the Count of Flanders. http://www.visitflanders.us/ghent http://www.visitflanders.us/ghent It is the only castle built by this family to survive to the modern age intact. Although it began as the seat of power for the counts of Flanders, Gravensteen has been used for many different purposes. They include prison, textile mill and housing the city mint.http://www.trabel.com/gent/gravensteen.htm

Restoration of the castle began near the end of the 19th century. Since then, the castle has housed a collection of weapons, torture devices and objects of the court. It is considered to be the most visited tourist monument in the city.http://www.deltawerken.com/Gravensteen/869.html

Archaeological excavations of the castle site show that three different castles have been built where Gravensteen stands. The current structure was built sometime after Philip of Alsace returned home from the Crusades. Experts believe this to be true because of architectural features such as an open cross built near the entrance. When the structure was used by the counts of Flanders, public executions were staged in the open courtyard next to the castle. http://www.trabel.com/gent/gravensteen.htm

Visitors can explore the history of Gravensteen through the use of an interactive movie guide, which is free with the ticket price. Some special event weekends feature living history exhibits that have reenactors that recreate aspects of life during the Middle Ages. Tickets are sold until one hour before closing, and the movie guide is available until two hours before closing. http://www.visitgent.be/eCache/VGG/3/147.html

Tickets:

• 8 euros for adults
• 6 euros for groups of 15 or more, the elderly (55+) and young adults (19-26)
• Free for children under the age of 19 and people with disabilities http://www.visitgent.be/eCache/VGG/3/147.html

Hours of Operation:

• Between April 1 and September 30, the castle is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Between October 1 and March 31, the castle is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• Gravensteen Castle is closed on January 1, December 24, December 25 and December 31. http://www.visitgent.be/eCache/VGG/3/147.html