No need to cross half of Europe to get into the Halloween spirit. In Ghent, an immense medieval fortress still dominates the city center with its ramparts, towers, and imposing keep. And behind the postcard lies a considerably darker story. According to Lille Actu, Rail Europe has selected Ghent's Castle of the Counts among four particularly frightening European destinations to discover by train, alongside York in England, Hamelin in Germany, and Rouen in Normandy.
A 12th-century fortress in the heart of Ghent
Known as Gravensteen in Dutch, the Castle of the Counts is one of Ghent's most impressive monuments. Built in the 12th century, it still retains a large part of its medieval defense system. A rarity: it is the only medieval fortress in Flanders whose defense system remains virtually intact. And here, there's no question of simply admiring it from afar
admire the ramparts from the street. The visit lets you step inside the guardhouse, the former residence of the counts, the stables and the keep, as well as walk along the ramparts. Once you reach the top, the atmosphere shifts: the fortress offers a rather spectacular view over Ghent's rooftops. Just what you need to catch your breath before continuing your visit.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
An executioner's chamber and torture instruments
Because if the Château des Comtes makes it onto this special Halloween selection, it's obviously not just for its lovely stones. Over the centuries, the castle has been an important seat of power, justice, and punishment. A part of this far less glamorous past is still visible today. The old pantry now houses an executioner's chamber, where historical torture instruments and various objects related to justice are on display. Before its restoration, the fortress was actually so associated with repression and punishment that locals considered it a symbol of feudal power abuses. For a light outing between two pumpkin spice lattes, you might want to think twice.
One of four spine-tingling getaways selected across Europe
For Halloween, Rail Europe decided to highlight four cities accessible by train that are steeped in legends or a particularly dark past. We find York, famous for its ghost stories, Hamelin, forever linked to the chilling legend of the Pied Piper, and Rouen, with the Aître Saint-Maclou, a former medieval cemetery and ossuary. And so Ghent with its Castle of the Counts, which closes out this selection with its judicial past and its collection of torture instruments. Safe to say that with just days until October 31st, we've found a pretty great excuse to head off for a day in Belgium.
Just 1 hour 15 minutes from Lille by train
And that's probably the best argument forUs Lille folks: Ghent is accessible in around 1 hour 15 minutes by train from Lille. Several connections are offered daily from Lille-Flandres, some allowing you to reach Ghent-Saint-Peter in just over an hour. Others require a connection at Courtrai. Once you arrive, simply hop on a tram to reach the historic center. The Castle of the Counts sits on Sint-Veerleplein, just a stone's throw from the Patershol neighborhood and the famous Ghent quays. Admission is currently €15 for adults, €7.50 for ages 19-25, and €3 for ages 13-18. Entry is free for children under 12, and an audio guide is included with your ticket. Perfect for planning a Halloween getaway complete with ramparts, dungeons, and torture instruments before wrapping up the day with a Belgian beer. To each their own traditions.
Castle of the Counts, Gravensteen
Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Open daily from 10am to 6pm