Ooidonk Castle

The Renaissance castle Ooidonk, one of the pearls in the region, radiates pure class with its impressive towers and stepped gables. It is privately owned and not always open to visitors, but the beautifully maintained gardens are open to the public every day (except Monday and Tuesday mornings.
If you are planning this tour, take this visit into account as well! (I absolutely must, for € 3 you can get in.) (=> route description Routen.be)

The castle is described as one of the most beautiful castles in the country and often as a jewel of Flemish-Spanish 16th century architecture. The exterior view of the castle with its many turrets, stepped gables and chimneys evokes the image of the Loire château de Chambord. The interior introduces you to rare pieces of furniture, historical objects, carpets and unique collections. Successive owners have always tried to preserve the rural view around the 45 hectare domain. The road to the castle of Ooidonk runs through the blue gate, the Porta Arboreti! The castle would originally have had seven similar fortified entrance gates.

Source: hiking guide Flanders Route GR 128

At the time, Ooidonk Castle was the residence of the Lords of Nevele and owned by the Dukes of Montmorency - including the famous Philip, Count of Horne.
Ooidonk was involved in numerous social conflicts and the religious wars of the 16th century.
The castle, which had been destroyed twice, was rebuilt by the Antwerp notable Maarten della Faille, who had the castle furnished according to the taste and spirit of the Renaissance and gave it a residential character.
In 1864, the castle and the grounds around it were purchased by senator Henri t'Kint de Roodenbeke - who later became president of the Senate (1892-1899) and Minister of State - and his wife Zoé de Naeyer.

Despite the renovation and restoration work of previous centuries, Ooidonk has always continued to shine as a jewel of flamboyant Renaissance architecture.
Today, 150 years after their grandfather, the sixth count and countess t'Kint de Roodenbeke and their three children live in the castle. This historical heritage forms the daily living environment of the family. They maintain the castle and the domain with great passion, just like Count (Juan) t'Kint de Roodenbeke did before them.
It is their aim that everyone - guests and visitors - retains the memory of a beautiful place still embellished by the water, both of the deep moat and of the gently meandering Leie.