Count of Flanders / Castle Gravensteen

Flanders heraldic symble

"Count" or "Countess" historically was technically a mid-level position in the aristocratic hierarchy, but the reality could vary enormously.  Count of Flanders was more or less as powerful as it gets.  Flanders was an economic jewel, and her rulers married up for generations.  Ultimately the title Count of Flanders was held by the head of the Hapsburg family, who also held such titles as Holy Roman Emperor -- essentially, the ruler of much of Europe.  Super boring stuff unless you are a history geek, but fascinating if you are.






Universally interesting is the home of the Count or Countess:  Castle Gravensteen.  Current castle was built in the 12th century, and was built on the site of an original structure dating to the 9th century.  This place is it when you think "castle".  Has it all -- towers, keeps, battlements, dungeon, moat -- the works.  And for a small contribution to the upkeep, you can go in and pretty much have the run of the place.  Walking the castle from bottom to top was an experience of a lifetime.  If you have any interest in castles (who doesn't?) here's my advice: go to Ghent and do it.









In real estate terms, the castle "has good bones" -- a euphemism for "still needs some works".  From some viewpoints it is perfectly restored and looks in almost new condition. When you see it from other viewpoints, you realize this pile of stone really is a thousand years old.

Castle Gravensteen