Ellinge Castle is one of Scania's oldest country seats, dating from the 13th century. The origins of the current castle building dates from the 15th century. It is still surrounded by Medieval moats.
In the 18th century the Danish fortress was transformed into an open mansion of traditional Swedish style. The tower like structure was added in the middle of the 19th century. Today there are only remnants of the former fortress moats and buildings preserved, inside the present mansion walls. Ellinge Castle can be rented today for conferences, wedding and event services. The park is open to visitors.
References:The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. The name means 'castle of the counts' in Dutch. Arnulf I (918–965), Count of Flanders, was the first to fortify this place, building a medieval bastion on this high sand dune, naturally protected by the river Leie and its marshy banks. This bastion consisted of a central wooden building and several surrounding buildings, also in wood.
In the early 11th century, the wooden building was replaced by a stone residence, consisting of three large halls that made up three storeys, connected by a stone stairwell. The monumental stone staircase, the light openings, the fireplaces built into the walls and the latrines were signs of considerable luxury and comfort in those days. There was probably also a tower.