Historic Ghent: Gravensteen Castle, Belfry & St. Bavo’s Cathedral
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Once a prosperous trade centre of the medieval county of Flanders, Ghent boasts not only mesmerizing architecture like almost any other Belgian city but also a fascinating cultural cocktail that permeates into its spectacular landmarks and picturesque cityscapes, including the enchanting-looking Castle of the Counts hiding the ominous past of torturing medieval prisons, the nostalgic ambiance lingers in the medieval cobbled paths of the working-class Patershol Quarter, the UNESCO-recognized belfry attached to the Cloth Hall which was once full of activity in the 15th-century height of Flemish cloth trade, as well as the atmospheric Saint Michael's Bridge boasting picturesque views across the Wheat Quay and Grass Quay.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
At the start of the tour, the fairytale-looking Gravensteen Castle, surrounded by a moat, reveals the sinister yet interesting past when Ghent’s medieval ruler, Counts of Flanders, used the site as a barbaric prison. Today, the most attractive icon of the city is still in a great preservation state and houses a unique museum of dungeons and torturing tools for which another visit to explore is highly recommended.
Continue to visit The House of Alijn in the cozy cobblestoned Patershol Quarter, which used to accommodate textile workers in the 15th century. The highlight of the museum which was once a hospice for sick children is not its exhibitions but a lovely courtyard garden and a typical working-class pub secluded behind a group of quaint houses, adding to the nostalgic beauty of the place.
Options
Historic Ghent: Gravensteen Castle, Belfry & St. Bavo’s Cathedral
What‘s Included
Private guided tour
Gratuities and refreshments
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Operated by BlackBuck Travels