Ivan Plettinckx Photography
Things to see and do at Laarne Castle
Laarne Castle is a beautifully preserved medieval moated castle a stone's throw from Ghent. Planning a visit? These things we think you should definitely see and do. That way, your trip to this historic place will be an unforgettable experience!
Discover the truth about the witches of Laarne
In the 17th century, six people were persecuted at Laarne Castle for being accused of witchcraft. Four of them were eventually burned at the stake. You can still visit the square tower, which was used as an interrogation and torture room. The castle's interactive video guide explains the whole story!
Johan Schelfhout
Jokko
Make medieval murals appear at the touch of a button
The chapel at Laarne Castle dates from the 14th century. An unknown master decorated the entire room with remarkable murals. Despite being hidden under whitewash and leather wallpaper for centuries, the seccos are reasonably well preserved. At the touch of a button, you activate a light projection that digitally reconstructs the lost parts. A short story tells you more about the iconography.
Set foot in the fairytale courtyard
From the fairytale courtyard with its hundred-year-old hawthorn, you can see both the oldest parts of the castle and the 17th-century additions. The pillory, which used to stand in the village of Laarne, has now found a home here. Many visitors make a wish in the round sandstone fountain.
Dirk Wollaert
Wander through the rooms of the castle
Laarne Castle developed over the centuries into an aristocratic summer residence or maison de plaisance. In 1673, Laarne became a barony and the grounds took on their present appearance. Inside the castle, the rooms still exude grandeur: exceptional furniture, tapestries and paintings make for an unforgettable visit!
Admire the silverware collection
With its five hundred objects, the silver collection of Claude D'Allemagne (1917-1986), renowned throughout Europe, is one of the largest silver collections in Belgium. It covers the entire European continent, from Portugal to Russia and from Norway to Italy. Most of the objects come from France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The oldest piece dates from around 1550 and the youngest from 1931. Which is your favourite?
Dirk Wollaert
Dirk Wollaert
Let the children search and sleuth
Children can search and sniff around the castle with Heintje the little witch. The youngest (3-5 years) can go on a witch hunt with a magnetic board. For the oldest group (6-12 years) there is a search booklet (available in Dutch only) with all kinds of fun tasks. Successful sleuths will be rewarded with something tasty!
Choose a temporary event
A flower show, a photo exhibition, workshops for children or a silver market ... Laarne Castle also hosts temporary events and exhibitions. The website will tell you what's on.
Venture into nature
Several cycling and walking routes pass through Laarne, some of them are based on the cycling junction network. Leaflets on these routes are available at the castle. Many routes can also be found on the websites of Laarne Municipality and Toerisme Scheldeland.
Finish with a tasty bite
Chef Bart Gossye's restaurant is located in the castle grounds. Here you can enjoy culinary delights in a beautiful setting or book a high tea. There are also many bistros and restaurants in the village of Laarne. These are also within walking distance.
Laarne Castle
Eekhoekstraat 5
9270 Laarne
+32 (0)9 230 91 55
kasteelvanlaarne@herita.be
www.kasteelvanlaarne.be