Post by habiba123820 on Nov 9, 2024 14:33:10 GMT 9
There is one castle in Ghent, the Counts' Castle, but it is not the only one built to defend the city. About 11 kilometres south-east of the city is Laarne Castle . Built as a defensive fortress in the 14th century, it has evolved over time to become a museum of military architecture and palatial decoration and uses. From protecting Ghent to an aristocratic residence , do you dare to visit Laarne Castle ?
Laarne Castle Flanders Ghent Exterior Jump
Jumping in front of the Renaissance facade of Laarne Castle
Part fortress and part residence, Laarne Castle was also part of one of the darkest episodes in European history: the witch hunt . Hunting, torture and even execution . During our visit to the castle we were told where the “trials” were held, how the “interrogations” were carried out and the final verdict of the court with its dire consequences.
We already told you that it is not easy wordpress web design agency to visit because it is not open very often, but it is worth a try. Keep reading and you will be convinced.
Saltaconmyadvice
Don't just visit Laarne Castle , check out our places to see in Ghent and make the most of your trip. And, if you want to discover more castles, take a look at our article on Bornem Castle, near Antwerp .
A little history of Laarne Castle
It all began with a wooden construction at the beginning of the 13th century . A century later, a fortification was built on the same site. Despite its imposing architecture, with a pentagonal structure, a moat, several towers and a drawbridge, it was built “late”: it was not prepared for the attacks of the new cannons.
Laarne Castle Flanders Ghent Exterior Rear
The oldest part of Laarne Castle with the gate to Ghent
Already in the 15th century, the first noble family arrived and built a new residential wing with kitchens, lounges, bedrooms... Much of the current appearance of Laarne Castle is due to Geraard van Vilsteren , who bought it in the 17th century and completely renovated it, as well as adding a new wing with Renaissance courtyards and a Gothic chapel and much of the interior decoration of the entire castle.
Laarne Castle Flanders Ghent Exterior
Geraard van Vilsteren's wing
After being abandoned during the 19th century, the Ribaucourt family bought it at the beginning of the 20th century to turn it into their residence. The First World War put an end to their plans and, without being occupied again, they donated it in 1953 to a non-profit organisation on condition that it be restored. This restoration received the Europa Nostra award in 1996. It was opened to the public in 1967.
Did you know that…?
Laarne Castle was almost destroyed three times . The first time was during the Calvinist uprising in Flanders when it was attacked, destroyed and plundered, until the Duke of Alba returned it to its owners. The second time was during the French Revolution , although in the end only the chapel and the coats of arms were damaged. And the last time was after the Second World War , when it was used as a quarry and sawmill by the inhabitants of Laarne to restore their houses.
The witches in the castle
We have already mentioned that Laarne Castle was heavily involved in witch hunts . During the visit, we were told that the upper part of the tower served as a court of justice where witches were “judged” during the 17th century and the story of the five women and one man who passed through it. Forget about the Holy Inquisition, the torture carried out at Laarne Castle to obtain confessions and names of other witches gave us goosebumps.
Laarne Castle Flanders Ghent Exterior Jump
Jumping in front of the Renaissance facade of Laarne Castle
Part fortress and part residence, Laarne Castle was also part of one of the darkest episodes in European history: the witch hunt . Hunting, torture and even execution . During our visit to the castle we were told where the “trials” were held, how the “interrogations” were carried out and the final verdict of the court with its dire consequences.
We already told you that it is not easy wordpress web design agency to visit because it is not open very often, but it is worth a try. Keep reading and you will be convinced.
Saltaconmyadvice
Don't just visit Laarne Castle , check out our places to see in Ghent and make the most of your trip. And, if you want to discover more castles, take a look at our article on Bornem Castle, near Antwerp .
A little history of Laarne Castle
It all began with a wooden construction at the beginning of the 13th century . A century later, a fortification was built on the same site. Despite its imposing architecture, with a pentagonal structure, a moat, several towers and a drawbridge, it was built “late”: it was not prepared for the attacks of the new cannons.
Laarne Castle Flanders Ghent Exterior Rear
The oldest part of Laarne Castle with the gate to Ghent
Already in the 15th century, the first noble family arrived and built a new residential wing with kitchens, lounges, bedrooms... Much of the current appearance of Laarne Castle is due to Geraard van Vilsteren , who bought it in the 17th century and completely renovated it, as well as adding a new wing with Renaissance courtyards and a Gothic chapel and much of the interior decoration of the entire castle.
Laarne Castle Flanders Ghent Exterior
Geraard van Vilsteren's wing
After being abandoned during the 19th century, the Ribaucourt family bought it at the beginning of the 20th century to turn it into their residence. The First World War put an end to their plans and, without being occupied again, they donated it in 1953 to a non-profit organisation on condition that it be restored. This restoration received the Europa Nostra award in 1996. It was opened to the public in 1967.
Did you know that…?
Laarne Castle was almost destroyed three times . The first time was during the Calvinist uprising in Flanders when it was attacked, destroyed and plundered, until the Duke of Alba returned it to its owners. The second time was during the French Revolution , although in the end only the chapel and the coats of arms were damaged. And the last time was after the Second World War , when it was used as a quarry and sawmill by the inhabitants of Laarne to restore their houses.
The witches in the castle
We have already mentioned that Laarne Castle was heavily involved in witch hunts . During the visit, we were told that the upper part of the tower served as a court of justice where witches were “judged” during the 17th century and the story of the five women and one man who passed through it. Forget about the Holy Inquisition, the torture carried out at Laarne Castle to obtain confessions and names of other witches gave us goosebumps.