This huge walled enclosure began to be built in the 9th century and was constantly enlarged until it reached its present appearance. It initially served the Counts of Flanders as a defense against the Normans and the Vikings. The original construction was of wood, insufficient to stop the hordes that ravaged the region, so the successive invasions served as a stimulus to make the necessary extensions and improvements.

The castle, which was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until the middle of the 14th century, was then conceived as an impenetrable fortress to protect the security of the feudal lords of the region. The fortress as we know it today was the idea of Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders during the second half of the 12th century, who fought during the Second Crusade and was dazzled by the imposing castles built in the Holy Land.

Its construction, carried out at a time when the region of Flanders lived through turbulent times, was motivated by the need of the feudal lords to demonstrate their power and strength to the burghers of Ghent, who often challenged the authority of the counts. Philip of Alsace's desire was to demonstrate who really ruled the city.

Its imposing figure, completely surrounded by a moat, takes us back to the Middle Ages. Its main gate is defended by two towers, under which runs a fortified passageway to the interior of the castle. From the keep of the castle dominated the area, offering a magnificent view of Ghent despite not being one of the tallest buildings in existence.

The interior of the fortress, with the count's chambers, feast hall, audience hall, torture room and its monumental stone staircase show a perfect medieval architecture completely inspired by the Crusades, and oriented mainly on defense rather than luxury and comfort.

Gravensteen would cease to be the residence of the counts in the middle of the 14th century, who moved their residence to Prisenhof due to the excessive austerity of the castle, which no longer met the standards of luxury and comfort of the time.

It was then that it became the seat of the Council of Flanders, and the place from where brutal military repressions were directed to different uprisings of the population. Over time, it fell into decadence. It was also used as a prison, becoming a symbol of abuse of power, feudal oppression, with horrific methods of torture and intolerant inquisition.

Although for centuries it had a transcendental strategic and military importance for the Counts of Flanders, it ended up being an irrelevant construction, whose medieval remains were often used to build houses. During the 18th century it became an industrial complex until it was finally abandoned.

In the early 20th century it underwent intensive restoration and conservation by the local government of Ghent, who had been acquiring the property since the late 19th century. This major restoration, by the architect Joseph de Waele, was inspired by the approach of the French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, known for having restored the Citadel of Carcassonne, and was carried out as part of the city's preparation for the Ghent International Exhibition of 1913, during which its historic center was significantly remodeled.

Since then, Gravensteen has become a major tourist attraction for the city of Ghent. The castle, which is fully open to visitors, recreates the chivalric culture of the 12th century and houses various exhibitions of medieval objects and artifacts. In addition, it has a unique collection of torture instruments, in keeping with its macabre past reputation. The Castle of the Counts of Flanders also hosts numerous activities, events and cultural initiatives, and many Ghent couples even celebrate their marriage in this important symbol of Ghent.

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