Castle of Lovendegem

Beautiful castle in eclectic style. Unfortunately not open to the public, but can be admired from a distance.

Originally this was the seat of the lords of Lovendegem, initially the Van Lovendegem family, known from the 13th or 14th century. In 1462 the glory came to Philip the Good, who was also count of Flanders. The furniture of the castle was sold by Emperor Charles V from 1550-1552 and eventually the manor was sold to knight Joos Triest. In 1700 it came to Gillis Dons, who was elevated to baron in 1716 and the family name changed to Dons de Lovendeghem. After that, the castle remained in the possession of this family for centuries. In 1918 Baron I. Dons de Lovendeghem was murdered here.

The actual castle was probably originally a keep with a small house. In the 17th century, Joos Triest added a north wing with a chapel. In 1721, the right wing and a new facade were built by order of Gillis Dons. The castle was modified in 1858 and 1888, in 1888 after a design by P. van Kerkhove.