Plizio Visual Lab
Ooidonk Castle
Ooidonk Castle, situated in Sint-Martens-Leerne near Ghent, is widely regarded as one of Belgium's most beautiful moated castles and a masterpiece of Hispano-Flemish Renaissance architecture. Originally established in the 12th century as a defensive outpost for the city of Ghent, it suffered extensive damage during the religious wars of the 16th century. The current structure was largely rebuilt in 1595 by Martin-André della Faille, an Antwerp banker, who introduced the distinctive Renaissance features seen today. Its architecture is characterized by elegant bulbous steeples, ornate gables, and a wide protective moat. Since 1864, the castle has been the residence of the t'Kint de Roodenbeke family, who commissioned significant Neo-Renaissance renovations in the late 19th century. The interior is sumptuously decorated with historic tapestries, fine paintings, and period furniture. Set within a 45-hectare parkland along a bend of the River Leie, Ooidonk serves as a prominent cultural landmark, representing the transition from medieval fortification to aristocratic country estate.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Kasteel van Ooidonk · Bos van Ooidonk · Onze-Lieve-Vrouw en Sint-Jan-Baptistkerk
- Nearby: Deinze (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 60 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 64 | 76 | 81 | 57 | 67 | 73 | 79 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The current Renaissance-style building was completed in 1595.
- The castle has been owned by the t'Kint de Roodenbeke family since 1864.
- The first defensive structure on this site dates back to the 12th century.
- The castle was almost entirely destroyed in 1491 and again in 1579.
- Architect Clément Parent led the major renovations during the 19th century.
- The estate is beautifully situated along a bend of the River Leie.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ooidonk Castle (10)
Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens🏛 museum
Museum in Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium, featuring modern and contemporary art.
Leyhoek
Nature reserve with wet meadows and forests, part of the Leie valley.
Villa Zonneschijn
Villa in Sint-Martens-Latem, former home of artist Gustave De Smet.
Sint-Aldegondiskerk
Church in Deurle, Belgium, with a Romanesque tower and neo-Gothic nave.
Museum Gust De Smet🏛 museum
Belgian museum dedicated to expressionist painter Gust De Smet.
Kasteel van Vosselare: Hof ter Mere🏰 castle
Castle in Vosselare, surrounded by a park and agricultural land.
Sint-Petrus en Pauluskerk
Church in Sint-Martens-Latem, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the interior of Ooidonk Castle?
When is the park open?
Can I take photos there?
Where is the castle located?
Is the castle still inhabited?
Ooidonk Castle: where is it located?
Ooidonk Castle: what is there to see?
Ooidonk Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Ooidonk Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
