Top 20 Castles around Melle
Best castles around Melle are situated in the East Flemish region, characterized by its historical significance and varied landscape. The area features a mix of urban and rural settings, with waterways like the Lys and Scheldt rivers influencing its development. Melle and its surroundings offer a rich cultural heritage, evident in its architecture and historical sites. This region provides a backdrop for exploring centuries of history through its well-preserved castles and fortifications.
Best castles around Melle
- The most popular castles is Gravensteen Castle, a castle that features an almost intact defense system. This fortified moated castle in Ghent was the residence of the counts of Flanders until 1353 and now serves as a museum.
- Another must-see spot is Castle of Leeuwergem, a historical site. This baroque castle from 1762 is surrounded by gardens with ponds, offering a glimpse into 18th-century architecture.
- Visitors also love Geeraard the Devil's Castle, a historical site with a long history of repurposing. It has served as a knight's residence, armory, monastery, and even a prison, making it a significant landmark for history buffs.
- Melle is known for historical castles, fortified structures, and repurposed man-made monuments. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from medieval fortresses to baroque estates.
- The castles around Melle are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1100 upvotes and over 800 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Gravensteen Castle
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gravensteengent.be
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Geeraard the Devil's Castle
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Geraard de Duivel was born around 1210 as the son of Zeger II, Viscount of Ghent. In official documents he called himself "Knight Geraard van Gent; nicknamed the Devil". There are several legends surrounding this lordship. He would have killed his father because he wanted his son to participate in a crusade. he would also have kicked his son to death. Furthermore, he occupied himself with "brasserie, infamy, and atrocities."
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Rabot
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source: Ghent, the Green travel guide weekend
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Borluut Castle
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Castle of Leeuwergem
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In 1491, the construction of the Rabot was completed. The reinforced lock lay at the intersection of the Lieve with the city moat. The Lieve, on its side, provided the connection with the Zwin, which had not yet silted up, and further with the sea. In 1860, the brick wing facing the city was demolished. In 1872, the street level was raised and the Lieve was closed off. In the meantime, Ghent had long since had other access routes to the sea.
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The Rabot is a fortified lock dating from 1491 with two imposing towers, built after the siege of Ghent. It gave its name to the Rabot district and is one of the city's most striking heritage sites.
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Reminds me of times long past. Maybe something like Harry Potter🤔
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Tucked away in Sint-Denijs-Westrem, near the Parkbos, lies the charming Borluut Castle. This neoclassical castle, surrounded by a stately park and a lime tree avenue, exudes history and tranquility. Once a summer residence for the noble Borluut d'Hoogstraete family, it is now a protected monument with a cultural function. The surrounding area invites a short detour: stroll along the old avenues, admire the architecture, and enjoy the tranquility that reigns here, despite its proximity to the city of Ghent. The castle is regularly used for artistic and social activities, but even without events, it offers a charming place to pause for a moment.
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Tucked away in Sint-Denijs-Westrem, near the Parkbos, lies the charming Borluut Castle. This neoclassical castle, surrounded by a stately park and a lime tree avenue, exudes history and tranquility. Once a summer residence for the noble Borluut d'Hoogstraete family, it is now a protected monument with a cultural function. The surrounding area invites a short detour: stroll along the old avenues, admire the architecture, and enjoy the tranquility that reigns here, despite its proximity to the city of Ghent. The castle is regularly used for artistic and social activities, but even without events, it offers a charming place to pause for a moment.
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The Geeraard de Duivelsteen is a building in the Belgian city of Ghent. The stone played an important role in the defense of the Portus on the Reep, a trading settlement that was at the cradle of the origin of Ghent. It is a former Gothic stone (stone house of a nobleman) from the 13th century, named after knight Geeraard van Gent, nicknamed Geeraard de Duivel. He was the third son of a viscount of Ghent, Zeger III. The building became the property of the city in the 14th century. Over the centuries it fulfilled various functions: knight's residence, weapons arsenal, monastery, school, episcopal seminary, insane asylum and prison until the Rasphuis on the Coupure took over that task in 1775. In 1830 a fire station was set up there. At the end of the 19th century, the Geraard de Duivelsteen was purchased by the government to house the State Archives of Ghent. Under the leadership of Arthur Verhaegen, the building was restored between 1891 and 1908 and expanded with a new wing, which housed the reading room and the offices of the archive staff. The building remained in use as an archive until 2015. In 2016, it was purchased for 2,205,000 euros by the Ghent holding company NV Koiba. The building is being converted into a youth centre. In addition, there will be a few residential units; the former quay wall is being restored. The building has undergone so many changes since the Middle Ages that the square keep (left in the photo), which was lowered too much during the last restoration in the 19th century, is barely recognisable. However, this keep can point to a function that refers to an older past. The keep, located along the partially filled-in Scheldt and within the semi-circular moat from the 9th century that surrounded Ghent at the time, may have had a defensive function at the time.
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The castle of Leeuwergem from 1762 is one of the most beautiful baroque castles in Belgium. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden with ponds. On the avenues around the actual castle domain you can walk freely to admire the baroque building from a distance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Melle are best for history enthusiasts?
For those interested in history, Gravensteen Castle in Ghent is a must-see, known for its medieval defense system and its past as a residence for the Counts of Flanders. Geeraard the Devil's Castle also offers a rich historical narrative, having served various roles from a knight's residence to a prison. The Rabot, a former city gate with military architecture, provides insight into Ghent's historical defenses.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Melle?
Yes, several castles around Melle are suitable for families. Gravensteen Castle and Geeraard the Devil's Castle are both listed as family-friendly and offer engaging historical experiences. Additionally, the Rabot, a historic city gate, and Borluut Castle with its surrounding park, are also great options for families.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Melle?
The region around Melle offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including road cycling, gravel biking, and general touring. For example, there are routes like the 'View of the Gentbrugse Meersen – Scheldt River Cycle Path loop' for road cycling, or the 'Gentbrugse Meersen and Schelderoute Loop' for gravel biking. You can explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Melle, Gravel biking around Melle, and Cycling around Melle guide pages.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Melle?
The East Flemish region, where Melle is located, is pleasant to visit throughout the year. Spring and summer offer mild weather ideal for exploring castle grounds and gardens like those at Castle of Leeuwergem. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a unique, quieter experience, especially for indoor castle tours.
Are there any castles near Melle with notable gardens or natural surroundings?
Yes, the Castle of Leeuwergem is renowned for its beautiful baroque gardens with ponds, offering a serene natural setting. Borluut Castle also features a stately park and a lime tree avenue, inspired by English landscape gardens, providing a tranquil environment for visitors.
Can I find circular walks or hiking trails that include castles near Melle?
While specific circular walks directly linking multiple castles aren't detailed in the guide, the region's extensive network of cycling and walking paths allows for creating your own routes. Many castles, like Borluut Castle, are situated near natural areas like the Parkbos, offering opportunities for walks in their vicinity. You can use the Komoot app to plan routes that incorporate these historical sites.
What are some unique or lesser-known historical sites besides the main castles?
Beyond the prominent castles, the Rabot in Ghent is a unique historical site. It's a 15th-century former city gate and lock, showcasing military architecture with its massive round towers. It offers a glimpse into the city's past defenses and water management.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Melle?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and architectural beauty of the castles. The well-preserved defense system of Gravensteen Castle and the elegant baroque design of Castle of Leeuwergem are often highlighted. The diverse repurposing history of Geeraard the Devil's Castle also fascinates many, offering a journey through centuries of change.
Are there any castles near Melle that are suitable for a quick visit or a longer exploration?
For a quick visit, the Rabot, as a city gate, can be admired relatively quickly. For a longer exploration, Gravensteen Castle, with its museum and extensive grounds, offers hours of discovery. Castle of Leeuwergem, with its gardens, also invites a more leisurely visit.
Are there any castles around Melle that are particularly scenic for photography?
The Castle of Leeuwergem, with its 18th-century baroque architecture and surrounding gardens with ponds, provides excellent photographic opportunities. Borluut Castle, with its neoclassical design and stately park, also offers picturesque scenes, especially with its lime tree avenue.
What are the general accessibility options for castles in the Melle region?
Accessibility varies by castle. Major attractions like Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, being a popular museum, generally offer better accessibility for visitors. However, due to the historical nature of many castles, some areas might have limited access for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges. It's advisable to check the specific castle's official website for detailed accessibility information before your visit.
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