Gravensteen | |
---|---|
Ghent, East Flanders | |
Coordinates | 51°03′26″N 3°43′14″E / 51.057222°N 3.720556°E |
Type | Castle |
Site information | |
Owner | City of Ghent |
Open to the public | Yes |
Condition | Restored |
Site history | |
Built | 1180 |
Materials | Sandstone, Tournai limestone |
Garrison information | |
Occupants | Counts of Flanders (1180–1353) |
The Gravensteen (Dutch; lit. 'the Counts' rock') is a medieval castle in the city of Ghent, East Flanders in Belgium. The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city.