Photos of Gravensteen

The Earl's Castle was built in 1180. Because the castle builder, the Earl of Flanders, participated in the Second Crusade, the castle was built according to the appearance of the Crusaders' castle. The castle has experienced complexities throughout its long history and was converted into a prison and courthouse in the 14th century. It was almost demolished in the late 19th century. In 1885, it was bought by the municipality of Ghent and restored the castle to its original state, which is now the castle museum. In appearance and style, the Earl's Castle is very similar to the ancient castles in the British Isles. It is solemn and tall, very dark and cold in the Middle Ages, not as romantic and beautiful as the French castles.