The Gravensteen, or the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval fortress with charming corridors, narrow tower stairs, tall rooms, and real castellation walls located in the center of Ghent. Founded in the 9th century, it got its current appearance thanks to many restorations at the end of the 12th century. For some time, the castle was a residence of the Counts of Flanders. Even though no one has lived in the building for centuries, it has never been abandoned.

Despite its status, the Gravensteen was not the permanent residence of the Counts of Flanders. For most of its history, it has carried out administrative functions. After Louis of Male had moved his residence to a new place in the 15th century, the premises of the castle were occupied by a mint, and half a century later – by the Supreme Court of Flanders and the Council of Flanders.

One of the most remarkable pages in the history of the Gravensteen was when it served as a local prison. It was damp and cold in its semi-underground cells, especially in winter. But the criminals were frightened not by the harsh incarceration conditions but by the cruel torture, which was no less sophisticated than that of the Spanish Inquisition.

After the castle was auctioned off at the end of the 19th century, its territory was turned into an industrial complex with textile factories and a workshop to manufacture metal structures. At this time, the medieval castle did not differ much from other buildings in the working-class district of Ghent, where only the medieval gate served as a reminder of its past.

Despite all the ups and downs of life, the Gravensteen is well-preserved. Moreover, it has become one of the main attractions of Ghent since the 20th century. The castle got a reputation as a major tourist center in the city thanks to the 1913 World's Fair.

In the eighties, the castle celebrated its 800th anniversary. As a gift from the city authorities, it received another thorough restoration. It helped strengthen the structures, preserve the defensive system in its original form, and open new exhibition spaces for citizens and tourists.