Castles around Bruges

Bruges is the capital and the largest city of West Flanders, yet the atmospheric town has a small-scale feel. Much of the atmosphere is radiated by the 430-hectare historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a medieval city. Cute houses, historic streets and lovely squares are waiting for you to be discovered. Of the 117,000 inhabitants, only 20,000 live in the centre. Canals have connected the city to the sea for centuries and have brought it a lot of prosperity. In the edge of the urban agglomeration of Bruges lies an old hamlet that has been included as a district of the city. Male Castle is by far the most interesting sight in this part of the city and is also known as St. Trudo's Abbey. The abbey was founded around 1050, when a hermit started building a modest place of worship. He gained followers who soon formed a community. A church and a monastery were built, which burned down in 1261. Both were rebuilt closer to the road to Kortrijk. For many years, the religious building was used for confession of faith, until it became private property in 2011. Another beautiful place that is worth a visit is Domein Ryckevelde. More than 120 hectares of forest and a heath-like environment stretch here. The forests are partly protected and the area is partly a military domain. The domain contains a neo-Gothic castle, a mansion and farm and an artfully landscaped botanical garden. The House of Caloen is also an imposing building. The house was inhabited by a noble family, who were granted the first title of baron in 1839. Finally, come to Tillegembos Provincial, or the Provicial Domain Tillegembos. Deciduous and coniferous forests, hay meadows and recreational meadows give even more cachet to the walled castle of Tillegemen and the accompanying chapel and castle farm that dominate the site. Furthermore, allotment gardeners will get their money's worth, because there are several plots where they practice their hobby with love and pleasure. The route starts and ends at Peelaertplein car park.