Wissekerke Castle

Wissekerke Castle

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

 

Description of Wissekerke Castle

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.

 

History

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.

 

Architecture

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.

 

Suspension bridge

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.