Kasteel van Laarne is a moated castle near Ghent in East Flanders, Belgium, with origins dating to the 11th or 12th century. First documented in a 1294 charter, the fortress was established to guard approaches to Ghent from the sea and comprehensively renovated in the 17th century, acquiring its distinctive appearance with four pavilions and relocated entrance connecting to the village church. Elevated to barony status in 1673, the castle became a protected national monument in 1953 under the Royal Association of Historical Cities and Gardens of Belgium. Today it functions as a museum, displaying exquisite furnishings and Claude Dallemagne's renowned collection of European silver, offering visitors insight into medieval and Renaissance castle life.
