Loppem Castle

Henk Rogiers

Loppem Castle in the Bruges Hinterland is the most impressive example of neo-Gothic architecture in Flanders. The façade, interior and surroundings of this magnificent work of art continue to astound. This beautiful spectacle is situated just a stone’s throw from Bruges.

A complete work of art

The opulent Loppem Castle is a complete work of art. It was built in the mid-19th century in a perfect harmony of building and interior. On the exterior, we see an opulent façade with towers, bay windows, pointed and round arches and a coat of arms above the central entrance gate.

Inside, we find impressive murals of historical scenes, saints and the four cardinal virtues (wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance). The interior excels with its artisanal furniture, upholstery, glassware, paintings, tapestries and wood carvings. In the house chapel, the stained-glass windows are a magnificent spectacle.

Around the castle, over the years, stables, coach houses, a gatehouse, a manege and a small pavilion were also constructed. Today, you can still enjoy all of this on a walk through the romantic castle park. The vast maze, created in 1873, is the jewel in the crown. Dozens of paths separated by hornbeam with a total length of one and a half kilometres make this total work of art in the Bruges Hinterland complete.

©Christophe Van der Eecken

Christophe Van der Eecken

About the van Caloen family

Loppem Castle was the brainchild of Charles van Caloen and his wife Countess Savina de Gourcy Serainchamps. This noble and deeply religious couple were fascinated by neo-Gothic architecture. In their eyes that was the only true Christian art.

Those values were central to the development of this domain. Savina played a vital role in this. Charles actually suffered from double glaucoma, an eye disease that literally blinded him. The castle lord did not recover from this until the age of 52, following an operation in Paris. Only then did he see his wife, children and castle with his own eyes for the first time.

How to get to Loppem Castle?

Make use of a bicycle rental point in Bruges city centre.
Or take bus 70a, 70b or 703 from Stationsplein in Bruges and get off at bus stop Loppem Sportcentrum (Steenbrugsestraat). From there, it is a walk of about eight minutes to the castle. The bus service runs several times per hour.

Check your route on Google Maps for the most accurate info