Ooidonk Castle

[citation needed] A fortress was first built on the site of the current castle, intended to defend the city of Ghent and to fortify the river Leie.

[citation needed] The castle was destroyed for the first time in 1491 by the people of Ghent, in revolt against Maximilian I.

[citation needed] In 1579, during the wars of religion, the castle, defenseless, was destroyed by the Ghent Calvinists.

[citation needed] In 1864, the castle and lands were acquired by Henri t' Kint de Rodenbeke who went on to become President of the Senate and Minister of State.

Ooidonk Castle is open to the public from April 1 to September 15, and the park (with its French garden) can be visited year round.