Poeke Castle, Neoclassical castle in Aalter, Belgium
Poeke is a neoclassical castle in Aalter with pale pink facades positioned on a large estate surrounded by water. The building is reached via bridges at both the front and rear, sitting within an expansive grounds.
A fortification stood on this site from 1139, with later structures built atop the foundations. The building took its present form through major renovations undertaken between 1743 and 1752 under Charles Florent Idesbald de Preudhomme d'Hailly.
The castle was taken over by the municipal government in 1977 and now hosts concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can experience how the building brings together classical elegance and contemporary cultural events.
Guided tours of the castle require advance booking arranged through Toerisme Vlaanderen to ensure availability. The surrounding park remains open during daylight hours for self-guided exploration at any time.
The estate once contained multiple working buildings including a kennel, bakery oven, horse stables, and carriage house, revealing the full scope of a functioning aristocratic property. Traces of these auxiliary structures can still be spotted today, offering glimpses into daily life on a grand estate.
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