The Castle of the Counts

The Castle of the Counts

The Ghent audio-guided tour leads you to the Castle of the Counts, a proud medieval fortress surrounded by moats, an obligatory stop of any visit of the city.

A fortress to assert power

The castle was built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, on the ruins of a wooden fortification of the ninth century dating from the Norman invasions. At that time, Ghent was prosperous and its wealthy merchants exercised real influence, which worried the count. Of French origin and perceived as a foreigner, Philip of Alsace had this massive structure built to remind the people of Ghent who held power. Having taken part in numerous crusades, he took inspiration from the constructions observed during his travels. The castle is composed of a central keep of three floors and deep moats, indispensable for its defence, which make it one of the rare medieval fortified castles of Europe so well preserved.

What there is to see

The Castle of the Counts impresses with its powerful walls, its keep and its moats, in the very heart of Ghent. One walks its ramparts, its rooms and its passages, and one enjoys from the top a fine view over the city. A witness of eight centuries of history, it offers a striking immersion in the Flemish Middle Ages and the power of the counts of Flanders.

Practical information

The Castle of the Counts is in the heart of the historic centre of Ghent, surrounded by its moats. It can be visited according to hours to be checked on site; access is generally subject to a charge and includes steps, to be taken into account according to your mobility.

Who had the Castle of the Counts built?

Count Philip of Alsace, in 1180, to assert his power against the wealthy merchants of Ghent.

How was the castle defended?

By a central keep of three floors and deep moats, which made it a fortress difficult to take.