Loppem Castle

HISTORY
In 1856, Baron Charles van Caloen and his wife Countess Savina de Gourcy Serainchamps had the romantic Loppem Castle constructed. The architecture and interiors are preserved in their original state. Moreover, the castle is home to a rich art collection.
In the past, artists and kings visited here. Today, you are guests of the builders and the first residents. The Jean van Caloen Foundation ensures the upkeep of the property and welcomes visitors to the castle and its surroundings.

A plaque commemorates the fact that the British King George V and the French President Raymond Poincaré stayed in the Loppem Castle in 1918.

Text on the said plaque:
"KING GEORGE V WITH HIS SONS: PRINCE OF WALES AND PRINCE ALBERT, STAID HERE 9th and 10th DECEMBER 1918, HAVING INSPECTED HIS CONTINENTAL TROOPS AND VISITED LILLE, YPRES EN ZEEBRUGGE".
Text below (French – translation)
Raymond Poincaré President of the French Republic stayed here as a guest of the King of the Belgians on 9 November 1918.

A second plaque commemorates the fact that King Albert l, supreme commander of the Belgian Army in the First World War, and Queen Elisabeth stayed here from 24th October until 25 November 1918. At this time, it was used as HQ of the Belgian Army.

THE COLLECTION
A visit to Loppem Castle is like travelling through time and a trip around the World rolled into one.
The neo-Gothic interiors and the domestic living quarters downstairs show life as it was in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Walking up a stately staircase, you reach the first floor. Upstairs, you can look into the family Chapel. And you will see the room where King Albert I and Queen Elizabeth stayed in 1918. The Jean and Roland van Caloen art collections are housed in separate spaces. They offer you the opportunity to enjoy the wonder of works from our middle ages as well as a collection of Asian and African art.

For current visiting hours, please contact the museum.

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: Luc Van Waeyenberge & Kasteel van Loppem
• Photos: Luc van Waeyenberge