Poeke Castle hiking route
Extended route description
This circuit will send you back in time and make you feel like nobility, as you stroll through the beautiful gardens of Poeke Castle. After exploring the castle grounds, carry on between the idyllic fields up to the Artemeersmolen.
Starting point Sint-Lambertus Church
The current neo-classical church was built in 1842 after the previous Gothic church had fallen into a dilapidated state in the early 19th century. Inside the church, the painting 'The Preaching of St Lambert', the patron saint of textile workers who the church is named after, hangs above the altar. The altar itself is also unique. It contains a bluestone from the mausoleum of John III of Poeke, the last descendant of the original Lords of Poeke.
Poekebeek valley
This nature reserve is made up of typical water grasslands and groves. Most of the trees in the valley have been replanted to help restore it. In winter, the area floods regularly, which means you can spot birds including waders and the lapwing. Two pools have also been dug, to help the revival of amphibians in the area. As a result, you might now come across brown frogs and alpine newts here.
Poeke Castle
The earliest mentions of Poeke castle date back to the 12th century. The original castle was captured by the people of Ghent in 1452, in a revolt against Philip the Good. The castle was eventually taken back, but also demolished. Nothing was rebuilt there for more than a century, when construction of the current castle started in the 17th century. The beautiful gardens surrounding the castle were added in their full splendour in the 18th century. Since 1977, the castle has been owned by the municipal administration. The grounds around the castle are always free to visit, but you can only visit the interior of the castle with a guide.
Artemeersmolen
At the far end of the walking circuit, it comes into plain sight: the Artemeersmolen. To admire the mill from close-up (and visit it when it is in operation) you will have to deviate from the route for a while. The Artemeersmolen is a round stone grain windmill situated on a mill hill and on the border between East and West Flanders. The mill was built in 1810 to replace the nearby wooden mill.
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