Just an hour from Brussels, the Château des Comtes stands out in Ghent’s historic center. Behind its high stone walls lie nine centuries of history, between crusades, popular revolts and the industrial revolution. Today, this fascinating fortress attracts visitors as much for the majesty of its keep as for the strangeness of its torture chamber, which fascinates as much as it terrifies…
A castle at the heart of Flemish history
Erected in 1180 by Count Philippe of Alsace, the Château des Comtes de Flandre is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Belgium. Built on the banks of the river Lys, its purpose was to demonstrate the power of the Counts of Flanders as well as to protect the town. The 33-metre-high keep, crenellated ramparts, watchtowers and moats are all reminders of its military function. But the château has also lived many lives! Aristocratic residence, prison, seat of repression during revolts, then cotton mill in the industrial era. Each stone in this fortress tells a different chapter in Ghent’s eventful history.
A living fortress in the heart of Ghent
Today, the castle is one of the city’s major attractions. Restored in the late XIXᵉ century, it welcomes thousands of visitors who stroll its ramparts, explore the crypt or climb to the top of the keep for a breathtaking view of Ghent. The audioguide, punctuated with humor by Flemish comedian Wouter Deprez, makes the visit both instructive and light-hearted. Concerts, exhibitions and cultural events are also regularly held here, making the castle a place where history meets contemporary life.
The torture chamber: between thrill and fascination
One of the most striking rooms is the torture chamber. Housed in the former larder, this collection of medieval instruments illustrates the methods of justice at a time when severity was the rule. Far from being sensationalist, the staging of the exhibition allows us to understand the role of these objects in the society of the time. Between fascination and unease, this room attracts as much as it questions, adding a striking touch to the discovery of the Château des Comtes. You can also see a rich collection of objects from the period! Weapons and armor, crypt, dungeon, dungeons, stables and rooms where the counts lived.
📍Address: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent, Belgium