Coffee Break

Castle of the Counts, Belgium 🇧🇪

The Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval castle located in the city of Ghent.

It was built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, the Count of Flanders. The castle was constructed to demonstrate the power and authority of the counts over the city and to defend the region.

During the Middle Ages, Gravensteen served as a residence for the counts, a fortress, and later a courthouse and prison. In the following centuries, it lost its military importance and was even used as a cotton factory during the Industrial Revolution.

In the late 19th century, the castle was restored and preserved as a historical monument. Today, it is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Belgium and functions as a museum, attracting many visitors who want to explore medieval life, weapons, and justice systems.

Alcázar of Segovia, Spain 🇪🇸