Loppem Castle

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
Loppem Castle is located in Belgium
Loppem Castle
Location within Belgium
Alternative namesKasteel van Caloen
General information
StatusMuseum (since 1975)
TypeMansion
Architectural styleGothic Revival
ClassificationProtected monument (since 1985);[1] built heritage (since 2011)[2]
LocationZedelgem, West Flanders, Belgium
Coordinates51.156°N 3.203°E / 51.156; 3.203
Construction started1858
Completed2 July 1863
ClientCharles van Caloen
OwnerJean 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

The 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.

See also

Notes
  1. "Kasteeldomein van Loppem: landhuis en bijgebouwen". erfgoed.net. Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage.
  2. "Kasteel van Loppem". erfgoed.net. Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage.
  3. "Kasteelpark van Loppem". erfgoed.net. Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage.
  4. "Kasteeldomein van Loppem". erfgoed.net. Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage.
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51.156°N 3.203°E / 51.156; 3.203

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