Behind the massive oak gate, a world of rich, early 17th century tranquillity is waiting for the visitor. There is the courtyard with its beautiful baroque portico and the white cobblestone pavement. Rubens’ house is on the left side, while his studio is on the right. In spite of overall alterations, the front of the…
The old city centre of Bruges is almost completely enclosed by a belt of parks generally known as De Vestingen, or the ramparts. As the name suggests, it actually concerns the old ramparts of the city, which were converted into a very attractive green promenade by a number of landscape architects one and a half…
The south of the city centre of Bruges is still to a considerable extent a green oasis of peace and quiet. The beguinage and the nearby Minnewater are some of the most picturesque places in the city. Dozens of artists, amateur photographers and publishers of illustrated post cards have captured this mix of nature and…
The neo-Gothic castle of Loppem is one of the most beautiful examples of a summer residence built by a noble family of Bruges. The picturesque castle is located on an artificial island, hidden in a vast landscape park. The design of the park was entrusted to garden architect Jean Gindra in 1851. A couple of…
Covering over two hundred of hectares, Bulskampveld is one of the most important and most extensive forest areas in the area surrounding Bruges. The deciduous and conifer forest is intersected by stately avenues, witnesses of the reclamation of the area from the late 18th century onwards. A walk through the area almost inevitably leads visitors…
The Museum Garden at Gaasbeek (2,5ha) dates from 1996-1997 and is situated in the ancient Gaasbeek estate on the South slopes of Brussels. The different sections of the garden show the Flemish art of gardening from 1860 till 1940 by trying to preserve and pass on the traditional horticultural skills from the past. The Museum…
If you explore the countryside around Torhout you will almost certainly end up at the d’Aertrycke grounds. As from 1865, Ghent politician August de Maere d’Aertrycke converted these grounds into a spacious country residence. He entrusted the construction of the neo-Gothic castle to Antwerp architect Jozef Schadde. Garden architect Louis Fuchs was recruited to design…