Castles and Abbey Route from Torhout

Today's starting point is Torhout. Until the beginning of the last century, the Bruges countryside was very inhospitable. Dark forests interspersed with swamps, roving bands of robbers, feudal lords keeping smallholders under control... Torhout, at the crossroads of Roman roads, was a real breath of fresh air for passing merchants. A safe, bustling, and hospitable town. While that malevolent atmosphere has disappeared from the Bruges countryside, Torhout has lost none of its hospitality. Enjoy a pleasant chat on a terrace in Torhout's town center, sip a blond, foaming Thouroutenaere, and dip a cube of creamy Wynendale cheese in Wostyn's infernal mustard: Torhout's hospitality is a delight! Whoever says Torhout also says Wijnendale. A visit to Wijnendale Castle, a jewel in Flanders' heritage crown, is a must. The Torhout Pottery Museum and the Mustard Museum are also worth exploring. Explore the Bruges countryside from Torhout! The castles in this region are truly impressive. Wijnendale Castle is particularly valuable because of its significant contribution to the 1,000-year history of the County of Flanders. Be sure to visit this historic castle estate with its imposing moated castle. The visitor center is located in the gatehouse, after which a stately castle drive leads you to the ramparts, drawbridge, and castle entrance. A detour via the grape conservatory and pond is also possible. Wijnendale Castle is privately owned, but the castle museum is housed in the left wing. It focuses extensively on how people lived, worked, and enjoyed life in the castle. As an individual visitor, you will receive a pocket computer or visitor guide so you won't miss a thing about the building's remarkable history. Another beautiful castle you'll pass is Domein d'Aertrycke, with its neo-Gothic castle, a peaceful, romantic garden, and a park pond. In 2012, the de Maere family sold this estate to the province of West Flanders, and you can now stroll peacefully along the guided trails. Well worth it! You'll also pass a beautiful abbey: Benedictine Abbey Ten Putte, a popular place of pilgrimage, especially in July. Besides the church and the devotional chapel, you can visit the famous "well," the crow chapel (on the motte), and the prison. The remarkable "seamless shirt" is also on display. The picturesque Ten Putte Abbey stands on the site where Godelieve lived and was murdered in the 11th century. Ten Putte has become a true place of pilgrimage, attracting thousands of people annually to invoke Godelieve for throat and eye ailments or to maintain domestic peace. The walled enclosure with its white abbey buildings and lush garden forms an oasis of peace and tranquility on the border between Houtland and De Polders. According to legend, the Benedictine abbey was founded by Edith, a daughter born blind from Bertolf van Gistel's second marriage. Her blindness was cured by washing her eyes with water from the well into which the strangled body of Godelieve had been thrown—Bertolf's first wife, whom he had murdered because his mother hated her. The oldest historical records of the abbey date back to the 12th century. Its relatively peaceful history was disrupted in the 16th century by religious wars: in 1578, the abbey was attacked and destroyed by the Forest Beggars, forcing the sisters to flee. The abandoned buildings in Gistel fell into ruin, with the exception of the church, which was restored in 1614-1615. A full 313 years later, on July 2, 1891, twelve sisters returned to Gistel. They moved into new convent buildings, designed by architect Baron Jean-Baptist de Bethune (*), the great proponent of the Neo-Gothic style in this region. Only the shell of the small tower from the late 14th century was preserved. The sisters have since left, but the abbey can still be visited: there is a cafeteria with a terrace. Back in Torhout, you can visit the last castle. In the city center, a stone's throw from the Market Square, lies the charming Ravenhof castle park. It is a clear example of an English landscape garden and contains rare exotic trees and shrubs. Ravenhof Castle is surrounded by a rampart, and to the side of the park is a sheep pasture with a standard orchard. Ravenhof Park is a wonderful place for a stroll!