CASTLES SINT-NIKLAAS

Walburg Castle in Sint-Niklaas is a 16th-century moated castle built in 1553 by knight Willem van Waelwijck, named for his wife Walburgis. Surrounded by a picturesque English garden developed during 19th-century renovations by the Van Naemen family, the castle is situated as a serene green oasis within the city center. The castle was acquired by the municipality in 1949 and opened to the public in 1952. Today it houses a stylish bar and restaurant with a welcoming terrace overlooking the pond and fountain, blending historical significance with contemporary leisure, and stands as one of the East Flemish region's most idyllic urban cultural destinations.

Hof van Belsele is a castle estate and former priest's retirement home in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, encompassing approximately 41,335 square meters. Acquired in the 18th century by Bishop Maximiliaan van der Noot and partially rebuilt in 1754, the property underwent major renovation and expansion in 1904-1906 under architect Stephan Mortier. The complex includes a neo-traditional castle, former coach house, gardener's cottage, and a neo-Gothic chapel consecrated in 1906. The extensive landscaped park features monuments, gardens, a pond, decorative structures including a gazebo and iron bridge, and a grotto with religious imagery. From 1906, the Sisters of the Holy Angels from Lokeren cared for retired priests at the estate. Formally designated as protected architectural heritage since June 2023.