Oostkerke Castle

Oostkerke Castle, locally known as Kasteel van Oostkerke, lies south of the village with the same name, in the province of West Flanders in the Flemish region in Belgium.

The first fortification at this site was a wooden keep built in the 10th or 11th century. Oostkerke Castle was constructed in the 14th century. It featured a rectangular layout with three round towers and a bailey. Around 1500, the castle was converted into a more comfortable residence.

During the 17th century, the castle fell into disrepair due to war and storm damage. The lord moved out and settled on the rebuilt bailey, which was then called the castle.

The 'new' castle served as the home for several noble families until the 19th century. In 1838, Oostkerke Castle was sold to the local mayor, who used it as a farm.

The gate with its two round towers is the only remaining part of the medieval bailey, although the right tower was partly reconstructed in 1922. Nothing of the medieval castle remains; the other buildings were constructed in 1922.

Today, Oostkerke Castle is a private residence. It is not open to visitors but can be easily seen from a public footpath.

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