Gravensteen

Gravensteen
Ghent, East Flanders
The Gravensteen, seen from the south-east
Gravensteen
Coordinates 51°03′26″N 3°43′14″E / 51.057222°N 3.720556°E / 51.057222; 3.720556
Type Castle
Site information
Owner City of Ghent
Condition Restored
Site history
Built 1180
Materials Sandstone, Tournai limestone
Garrison information
Occupants The Counts of Flanders (1180-1353)

The Gravensteen (Dutch; literally "Castle of the Counts") is a medieval castle in the Belgian city of Ghent. The current castle dates to 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.

Origins

The origins of the Gravensteen date to the reign of Arnulf I (890-965).[1] The site, which sat between two branches of the Lys river, was first fortified in around 1000, initially in wood and later in stone. This was soon transformed into a motte-and-bailey castle which burnt down in around 1176.[1]

Castle

The current castle date to 1180 and was built by Philip of Alsace (1143-1191) on the site of the older fortification.[1] It may have been inspired by crusade castles witnessed by Philip on the Second Crusade. As well a protective citadel, the castle was intended to intimidate the burghers of Ghent who often challenged the Counts' authority.

The Gravensteen incorporates a large central donjon, a residence and various smaller buildings. These are surrounded by a fortified, oval-shaped enceinte lined with 24 small échauguettes. It also has a sizeable moat, fed with water from the Lys river. From 1180 until 1353, the Gravensteen was the residence of the Counts of Flanders. The decision to leave was taken by Louis of Male (1330-1384) who transferred the court to the Hof ten Walle.[1]

Subsequent history

After ceasing to be the residence of the Counts of Flanders, the castle entered a decline. It was used as a court and prison until the 18th century. From 1353 to 1491 it was the site of Ghent's mint. It was later sold to an industrialist who converted the buildings into a cotton factory and various small buildings were constructed on top of the Medieval remains. At one point it was scheduled for demolition. After gradually buying up the castle, the city of Ghent restored the castle in a romanticising Gothic style between 1893 and 1907.[1] It was the centrepiece of the Ghent World Fair of 1913 and remains open to the public.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "History". Gravensteen. Historische Huizen Gent. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
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