Loppem Castle (Dutch: Kasteel van Loppem) is a mansion situated in Loppem in the municipality of Zedelgem, near Bruges in West Flanders, in the Flemish Region of Belgium.
| Loppem Castle | |
|---|---|
Kasteel van Loppem | |
 | |
  Location within Belgium | |
| Alternative names | Kasteel van Caloen |
| General information | |
| Status | Museum (since 1975) |
| Type | Mansion |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Classification | Protected monument (since 1985);[1] built heritage (since 2011)[2] |
| Location | Zedelgem, West Flanders, Belgium |
| Coordinates | 51°09′22″N 3°12′11″E / 51.156°N 3.203°E |
| Construction started | 1858 |
| Completed | 2 July 1863 |
| Client | Charles van Caloen |
| Owner | Jean van Caloen Foundation |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | E.W. Pugin and Jean-Baptiste de Béthune |
| Website | |
| Loppem Castle official website | |
Unusually, it preserves its original architecture and interior decoration. The castle has a richly decorated and furnished interior, and houses a collection of works of art (paintings, stained glass, statuary). It is surrounded by a romantic park with ponds and a maze, which has itself been designated a protected heritage landscape.[3]
The castle and park are now owned by the Stichting Jean van Caloen ("Jean van Caloen Foundation") and have been open to the public since 1975.[4]
History
editThe castle was built between 1859 and 1862 for Baron Charles van Caloen and his family, to designs by architects E.W. Pugin and Jean-Baptiste Bethune. It is considered a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.[4]
In late 1917, during the German Occupation, the castle was requisitioned for the use of a German general and his staff. After the German withdrawal, the castle served as the residence of Albert I of Belgium from 24 October until 25 November 1918.[4] It was the site of a number of political meetings held by the King which became known as the Loppem Agreements.
Gallery
editSee also
editNotes
edit- ^ "Kasteeldomein van Loppem: landhuis en bijgebouwen". erfgoed.net. Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage.
- ^ "Kasteel van Loppem". erfgoed.net. Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage.
- ^ "Kasteelpark van Loppem". erfgoed.net. Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage.
- ^ a b c "Kasteeldomein van Loppem". erfgoed.net. Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage.