GRAVENSTEEN, GHENT - BELGIUM

After the death of Philip of Alsace at the Siege of Acre, during his return visit to the Holy Land, The Gravensteen became the permanent seat of the counts of Flanders until the 14th century. After their departure, the castle was used first as the royal mint, then as a courthouse, then as a prison, and finally as a textile factory, before it was abandoned altogether and fell into decay.

Private houses were attached to the castle and a substantial amount of its stonework was removed for use in the construction of other buildings. By the end of the 19th century the castle was a forlorn ruin, and plans to demolish it were announced.

The prospect of losing the historic building, however, galvanised the citizens of Ghent into action. In 1885, the civic authority purchased The Gravensteen and set about an ambitious project that involved the demolition of all the abutting residences and the complete restoration of the keep.

Today The Gravensteen has recaptured much of its former glory and, although some Belgians question whether enough of the original castle remains for it to merit its claim to be almost a thousand years old, it has become one of Ghent's prime tourist attractions.

From the top of the keep there is a magnificent view over the city, and inside it there is a memorable, if sometimes ghoulish, exhibition of medieval weaponry and instruments of torture.

After it was reduced to a pile of stones in 1890, The Gravensteen was reconstructed according to ancient drawings, which were not always historically correct – hence the castle is a curious mix of architectural styles. Central to the building is the rectangular keep, with its battlements, and corbeled watchtowers on each , corner. The castle is still partially surrounded at the rear by a medieval moat.

The curtain wall, features several round corbeled, crenellated turrets, the largest with a conical spired roof, and wooden shutters covering window openings. Arrow slits are also incorported in the turrets. The smaller turrets are open at the back, while the larger one is square in section, containing a staircase for access to the different levels.

Passing through the huge gatehouse at the front elevation the visitor is presented with the impressive stone keep, which dominates the castle.

The Gravensteen (Count's Castle in Dutch) was built by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders (ruled 1168-91).

It was modelled on the fortifications he had seen when he took part in the Second Crusade (1145-49).

Archaeological excavations have revealed at least one earlier fort, and possibly as many as three previous wooden stockades on this site.