Kasteel van Ooidonk
Inhabited Renaissance castle in Deinze on the Leie, visited on Sundays and public holidays only with a guide; gardens and park open almost daily.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Ooidonk Castle lies in a meander of the Leie, a stone's throw from Ghent. The castle was the residence of the lords of Nevele and belonged to the dukes of Montmorency, including Philip, Count of Horne. It was involved in numerous social conflicts and in the religious wars of the 16th century. The castle, destroyed twice, was rebuilt by the Antwerp notable Maarten della Faille, who had it fitted out in the Renaissance taste and gave it a residential character.
The building, dating from 1595, is an example of Spanish-Flemish Renaissance architecture and has characteristic stepped gables and onion-shaped towers. In 1864 senator Henri t'Kint de Roodenbeke, later President of the Senate and Minister of State, and his wife Zoé de Naeyer bought the castle and the surrounding land.
Today the sixth Count t'Kint de Roodenbeke and his three children still live there; the historic heritage is their daily environment. That is why a visit to the castle is possible only with a guide. The gardens and the park around the broad moat and the meandering Leie can be visited separately.
Highlights
- Renaissance castle from 1595 with stepped gables and onion-shaped towers
- Guided tour of the inhabited castle
- Moat and the meandering Leie around the castle
- Gardens and park, open almost every day
- Dogs on a lead welcome in the gardens
Permanent exhibition
- Rondleiding in Kasteel Ooidonk – Guided visit to the inhabited Renaissance castle; the gardens and the park can be visited separately.
- Operated by
- Familie t'Kint de Roodenbeke
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €4Children up to age 12 pay €4 for the guided tour of the castle. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €12 per personGroup price €12 per person; from 20 people €9. The fee for the guide comes on top. Schools pay €4 per pupil. |
| Gardens: adults | €4 |
| Gardens: children | €1 |
Guided tour of the castle: €15 for adults. A visit to the gardens costs €4 for adults and €1 for children.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Buses cannot enter the village of Bachte-Maria-Leerne; the castle can only be reached by bus via the della Failledreef, with bus parking at restaurant Het Koetshuis.
Via the E40 (towards Ghent/Brussels: exit 13 Drongen, then 5 km towards Deinze; towards Aalter/the coast: exit 12 Nevele) or via the E17, exit 7 Deinze.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
Next to the castle are the restaurant Het Koetshuis and the brasserie De Sterre.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The castle has spaces for private events and business seminars.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The castle is inhabited: free visits are not possible, only guided tours. Booking can be made by email or phone. Dogs on a lead are welcome in the gardens. |
