Castle of Gerald the Devil

The Castle of Gerald the Devil is one landmark you should photo while walking around Ghent’s city centre. It’s got a whole lot of range. The castle has been a monastery, an asylum, and more.

Castle of Gerald the Devil is a 13th century Gothic castle. Ghent is full of history and fascinating old buildings, but this castle is unique in appearance and its past. Have a quick look while you’re strolling around Ghent’s city centre. You can’t go inside the castle, so this is more of a photo spot for your trip than a thing to do.

Ghent has a couple of castles. Gravensteen is the most well-known castle of Ghent, as it housed the Counts of Flanders, but it's older and more medieval in style. Don’t miss out on seeing this lesser known, but still impressive castle in the heart of the city.

Castle of Gerald the Devil is named after a knight, Geeraard Vilain. He went by the nickname Geeraard de Duivel (“Gerard the Devil”). Supposedly, this was based on his appearance. Gerard the Devil had dark hair and dark complexion. We think he might’ve just been a bit of an edgelord.

• Hidden History: Castle of Gerald the Devil has been used for a bunch of stuff. It housed knights, weapons, monks, school kids, and more throughout Ghent’s long history.
• In the 1600s, the castle became a madhouse and prison where patients were locked away and suffered terrible mistreatment. Visit Museum Dr. Guislain to see the inside of Ghent’s darker history
• You can’t go inside, so this castle is just a photo spot. It was supposed to be used to store Ghent’s city archives, but that plan didn’t work out so now it’s up for sale. Maybe someday you’ll get to go in and explore, but for now settle for snapping up photos of this Gothic castle.