Loppem Castle

{{Infobox building

| name = Loppem Castle

| native_name = Kasteel van Loppem

| native_name_lang = nl

| image = Loppem kasteel 03.jpg

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| map_type = Belgium

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| map_caption = Location within Belgium

| location = Zedelgem, West Flanders, Belgium

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| coordinates = {{coord|51.156|3.203|display=inline}}

| alternate_names = Kasteel van Caloen

| building_type = Mansion

| architectural_style = Gothic Revival

| classification = Protected monument (since 1985);{{Cite web|title=Kasteeldomein van Loppem: landhuis en bijgebouwen | url=https://id.erfgoed.net/aanduidingsobjecten/13135 |website=erfgoed.net |publisher=Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage}} built heritage (since 2011){{Cite web|title=Kasteel van Loppem | url=https://id.erfgoed.net/aanduidingsobjecten/23753 |website=erfgoed.net |publisher=Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage}}

| status = Museum (since 1975)

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| start_date = 1858

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| completion_date = 2 July 1863

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| client = Charles van Caloen

| owner = Jean van Caloen Foundation

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| architect = E.W. Pugin and Jean-Baptiste de Béthune

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| website = {{URL|http://www.kasteelvanloppem.be|Loppem Castle official website}}

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Loppem Castle ({{langx|nl|Kasteel van Loppem}}) is a mansion situated in Loppem in the municipality of Zedelgem, near Bruges in West Flanders, in the Flemish Region of Belgium.

Unusually, it preserves its original architecture and interior decoration. The castle has a richly decorated and furnished interior, and houses a collection of works of art (paintings, stained glass, statuary). It is surrounded by a romantic park with ponds and a maze, which has itself been designated a protected heritage landscape.{{Cite web|website=erfgoed.net |title=Kasteelpark van Loppem |url=https://id.erfgoed.net/aanduidingsobjecten/13134 |publisher=Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage}}

The castle and park are now owned by the Stichting Jean van Caloen ("Jean van Caloen Foundation") and have been open to the public since 1975.{{Cite web|website=erfgoed.net |title=Kasteeldomein van Loppem |url=https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/209986 |publisher=Flemish organization for Immovable Heritage}}

History

The castle was built between 1859 and 1862 for Baron Charles van Caloen and his family, to designs by architects E.W. Pugin and Jean-Baptiste Bethune. It is considered a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.

In late 1917, during the German Occupation, the castle was requisitioned for the use of a German general and his staff. After the German withdrawal, the castle served as the residence of Albert I of Belgium from 24 October until 25 November 1918. It was the site of a number of political meetings held by the King which became known as the Loppem Agreements.

PM 161788 B Loppem.jpg|Entrance hall

PM 161785 B Loppem.jpg|Stairs

PM 161816 B Loppem.jpg|Adoration of the Magi (16th c.)

Onbekend - Guido Gezelle (1830-1899) Kasteel van Loppem 20-07-2021.jpg|Guido Gezelle by Gustave Léonard de Jonghe

PM 161813 B Loppem.jpg|Elephant by Cécile Kruyfhooft

See also

Notes

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