CASTLES BRUGGE

Tillegem Castle, located south of Bruges in Sint-Michiels, West Flanders, is a remarkable moated castle with origins tracing to the 12th century. Originally owned by Lord Jan van Voormezele, the castle evolved significantly under Baron Eugène Charles de Peñaranda de Franchimont in the 19th century, when architect Jean-Baptiste de Béthune transformed it into its current striking neo-Gothic form, featuring romantic ornamentation and decorative brickwork. The Province of West Flanders acquired the 131-hectare estate in 1980, undertaking extensive restoration. Though the castle's interior functions as administrative offices and is not open to the public, its expansive forested park remains accessible daily year-round, inviting visitors to explore woodland trails and enjoy the serene Tillegembos nature area.

Beisbroek Castle is a 19th-century fortress nestled within a 160-hectare provincial domain near Bruges, combining heritage architecture with contemporary natural science education and astronomical exploration. Surrounded by beautiful woodlands featuring the Cozmix visitor center and Volkssterrenwarte Beisbroek, the castle offers interactive experiences connecting visitors with fauna, flora, and celestial phenomena through telescopes and planetarium programs. The expansive Domein Beisbroek is part of the scenic Three Castles walking route with well-marked trails accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility considerations. This unique blend of historical preservation and scientific engagement makes it a distinctive cultural and educational destination in the Bruges hinterland.