Gravensteen

Gravensteen
Ghent, East Flanders
The Gravensteen, seen from the south-east
Gravensteen is located in Belgium
Gravensteen
Gravensteen
Coordinates51°03′26″N 3°43′14″E / 51.057222°N 3.720556°E / 51.057222; 3.720556
TypeCastle
Site information
OwnerCity of Ghent
Open to
the public
Yes
ConditionRestored
Site history
Built1180
MaterialsSandstone, Tournai limestone
Garrison information
OccupantsCounts 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.