Laarne Castle

Laarne, Belgium

Laarne Castle is a moated castle established in the 11th or 12th century to guard the approaches to Ghent from the sea. It was comprehensively renovated in the 17th century.

Today the castle is partly used as a museum displaying a wonderful collection of tapestries, furniture, weapons and silverware. This beautiful castle is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Flanders.

Address

Eekhoekstraat 1, Laarne, Belgium

See all sites in Laarne

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Belgium

More Information

www.herita.be
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

St. Peter's Abbey (7,9 km)

St Nicholas' Church (8,6 km)
Belfry of Ghent (8,4 km)
Gravensteen (8,9 km)
St Michael's Church (8,8 km)
St Bavo's Cathedral (8,3 km)
Cambron Abbey (49,1 km)
Schepenhuis (17,2 km)
Geeraard de Duivelsteen (8,1 km)
Nivelles Abbey Church (58,8 km)

User Reviews

els rombaut (2 years ago)
Beautiful expo of the flower banquet in this castle. Nice setting, art and furniture to die for.

Maaike Ghyllebert (2 years ago)
A beautiful castle that is worth a visit. They organise some special events that might require you to make a booking, but even without all the extras, it's a beautiful building.

MeCook (2 years ago)
A very exciting tour!

Zach Jepsen (2 years ago)
Beautiful well kept Castle with friendly employees. The video tour is totally recommended!

Kristina Kurtjak (4 years ago)
Magical!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright caminanteK

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.