The origins of the Gravensteen date to the reign of Arnulf I (890–965).
The site, which sat between two branches of the Lys river, was first fortified around 1000, initially in wood and later in stone.
This was soon transformed into a motte-and-bailey castle which burnt down in around 1176.

The current castle dates to 1180 and was built by Philip of Alsace (1143–1191) on the site of the older fortification.
It may have been inspired by crusader castles witnessed by Philip during the Second Crusade.
As well a protective citadel, the Gravensteen was intended to intimidate the burghers of Ghent who often challenged the counts' authority.
It incorporates a large central donjon, a residence and various smaller buildings.
These are surrounded by a fortified, oval-shaped enceinte lined with 24 small échauguettes.
It also has a sizeable moat, fed with water from the Lys.

From 1180 until 1353, the Gravensteen was the residence of the Counts of Flanders.
The decision to leave was taken by Louis of Male (1330–1384) who transferred the court to the nearby Hof ten Walle.
The origins of the Gravensteen date to the reign of Arnulf I (890–965). The site, which sat between two branches of the Lys river, was first fortified around 1000, initially in wood and later in stone. This was soon transformed into a motte-and-bailey castle which burnt down in around 1176.
The current castle dates to 1180 and was built by Philip of Alsace (1143–1191) on the site of the older fortification. It may have been inspired by crusader castles witnessed by Philip during the Second Crusade. As well a protective citadel, the Gravensteen was intended to intimidate the burghers of Ghent who often challenged the counts' authority. It incorporates a large central donjon, a residence and various smaller buildings. These are surrounded by a fortified, oval-shaped enceinte lined with 24 small échauguettes. It also has a sizeable moat, fed with water from the Lys. 
From 1180 until 1353, the Gravensteen was the residence of the Counts of Flanders. The decision to leave was taken by Louis of Male (1330–1384) who transferred the court to the nearby Hof ten Walle.
Gravensteen