Castle of Wannegem

Castle of Wannegem is a classical country house in Kruisem built between 1785 and 1786, displaying pure Louis XVI style with elegant stucco decorations and fine relief work. The brothers Moretti created the detailed sculptural elements that ornament its facades.

The building was designed by French architect Barnabé Guimard for Alphonse Baut de Rasmon, a member of a wealthy industrial family from Ghent. Its design reflects the influence of late classical French architecture of that era.

The castle earned its nickname 'Little Trianon of Flanders' because its design mirrors architectural elements found in the Versailles park gardens. Visitors can see this connection in the refined classical proportions throughout the building.

The building sits on private grounds along Huisepontweg and remains closed to visitors, but its exterior can be viewed from public roads nearby. Walking around the perimeter gives a good sense of the classical architecture and surrounding landscape garden.

The surrounding park was designed by German horticulturist Hirschfeld and includes a pond with an island and a classical garden pavilion. Exotic tree collections were planted throughout to give the grounds distinctive botanical character.