Location: Koningin Astridplein 17, Bazel, East Flanders Map
Constructed: 15th century
Open: May- June, Sept- Oct
Thurs:
10am- 4:30pm
Sun: 2- 5pm
July- Aug
Tue- Thur: 10am- 4:30 pm
Sun: 2- 5pm
Tel. +32 3 740 0400
Wissekerke Castle is situated in the village of Bazel of Kruibeke municipality in the East Flanders province. Little is known about the origins of Wissekerke Castle. There is evidence that small castle stood here since the 10th century. It stood on the small artificial island with the Scheldt River protecting one side of the fortress and artificial channel on the other. However much of the structure that you see today were constructed in the 15th century with later modifications in the 19th century that added a neo-gothic aspects to overall appearance. Its tower dates back to the 16th century. Iron suspension bridge of the Wissekrke Castle is the oldest surviving bridge of the similar construction in Europe. It was designed by Jean-Baptiste Vifquain (architect from Brussels) in 1824. It spans 23 meters and in 1981 it was designated a protected historic monument. Wissekerke Castle was purchased by the municipality of Kruibeke. City government ordered restoration work to restore its original appearance. Its interior is largely resemble its appearance as it looked like in the 19th century. Wissekrke Castle is open to the public. It holds concerts, exhibitions and other cultural activities. Additionally guided group visits are available upon request.
The lordship of Wissekerke was one of the most important in the
county of Flanders in feudal times. The castle was built in the middle
of the 12th century, but has undergone many changes and repairs over the
centuries. The latter were necessary, for example, when the troops of
Marnix van Sint-Aldegonde destroyed the left wing in 1583. The wing was
immediately rebuilt, but no longer in its original style. The castle
tower was also built in the 16th century
The castle park and
suspension bridge date from the 19th century. In 1881 the estate
underwent a major restoration. On that occasion, a 1,400-metre-long
canal was dug, which connects the ponds with the Scheldt. It is spanned
by a metal suspension bridge.
The castle was the main residence
of the noble family Vilain XIIII for centuries. This family supplied the
mayors of Basel for 139 years. By order of Viscount Philippe Vilain
XIIII, the beautiful gatehouse was built in neo-Tudor style. The
interior also dates from this period. The Empire-style salon dates from
the time of Viscountess Sophie-Louise-ZoƩ de Feltz.
The Villain
family left the parental castle in the second half of the twentieth
century. It was purchased in 1989 by the municipality of Kruibeke, which
has been responsible for its maintenance ever since. It became a place
for cultural activities, excursions and exhibitions. On August 4, 2022,
the Flemish Minister Matthias Diependaele of Immovable Heritage
announced that the castle will be restored for 130,000 euros.
The main buildings date from the 19th and 20th centuries, as most of the castle has been rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style. The castle is built on brick cross rib vaults. The old medieval core is completely hidden by the later additions. Wissekerke remains an example of feudal Flemish Gothic.
The castle is known for its iron suspension bridge, the oldest
surviving bridge of this type in Europe. It is a chain suspension bridge
with wooden gangways that was built in 1824 to a design by Jean-Baptiste
Vifquain (1789-1854), an engineer from Brussels who had studied in
France and traveled in England. He did not use the usual carpenter's
connection, but opted for an innovative connection technique with bolts.
He also devised a sturdy and material-saving way to integrate the
suspended structure and the brick parapets.
Despite the modest
span of 20.5 meters, the bridge is of great industrial-archaeological
value. She has retained her original columns, porches, chain elements
and railings; only the tread has been replaced. It was opened to the
public in 2012 after restoration.