CASTLES KRUIBEKE

Castle Wissekerke Basel is a historic water castle in Bazel, Kruibeke, Belgium, featuring origins dating to the 10th century with substantial reconstruction during the 15th century. The castle is surrounded by a landscaped lake and park, distinguished by one of Europe's oldest surviving wrought iron suspension bridges, designed in 1824 by Brussels engineer Jean-Baptiste Vifquain. The influential Vilain XIIII family served as castle residents and Bazel's mayors for 139 consecutive years. Today owned by the local council, Wissekerke functions as a cultural museum and venue, welcoming visitors Wednesday through Sunday and public holidays from 1 PM to 5 PM with an entrance fee of €8.

Graventoren, located in Rupelmonde near Kruibeke, Belgium, is the sole surviving tower of a grand 12th-century moated castle that once belonged to the Counts of Flanders. Originally featuring seventeen towers, the castle was expanded by Margaret of Flanders in the 13th century and served as a military fortress until 1748. Today, it functions as a museum dedicated to the celebrated cartographer Mercator, who was imprisoned here in 1544. An observation platform offers panoramic views of Rupelmonde and the surrounding region.