Kasteel de Gerlache, Historical château in Kruisem, Belgium.
Kasteel de Gerlache is a château in Kruisem featuring French architectural elements, including a mansard roof, situated near the Mullem border in the Huise district. The property incorporates a chicory drying facility, which led to its alternative name Kasteel den Ast.
Georges van Oost constructed the château in the early 1900s as a residence with French influence. During World War I, a watchtower was added to the estate.
The castle houses artifacts from Antarctic expeditions, including silverware from the Belgica and navigation instruments from polar voyages. These collections tell the story of the family's connection to exploration and scientific discovery in extreme environments.
The château is located in a rural area near the Kruisem and Mullem border, making it best reached by car or with patience on foot. Access to the interior collections can be irregular, so gathering information about opening hours before visiting is worthwhile.
The château houses an Emperor penguin named Hans, brought back from Antarctica by Gaston de Gerlache. This unusual collection documents the extreme adventures and scientific expeditions the family undertook.
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