Ravenhof Castle (Torhout)

Ravenhof Castle is located in the center of Torhout, West Flanders, Belgium. The castle was thought to have been built in the 13th-15th century, but the original building was destroyed and the current building was built on its foundation in the 16th century. The castle's architectural style is a result of various rebuilding and restoration projects throughout the centuries, with its current interior design dating back to 1912-1913.

The castle holds significant historical value, having been inhabited by noble families such as the Decuypere and de Potter families, who controlled the city's cloth industry. During World War I, the castle was used as a residence for German soldiers. Over the years, the castle has been used for various purposes, including as a shoe factory and a linen factory. The castle's surrounding domain began to decay from 1960 onward, but it was restored again in 1993-1994.

Today, the castle is owned by the City of Torhout and serves as a museum and tourist center. The upper floors of the castle are home to a museum showcasing Torhouts Pottery, while the ground floor is used as a tourist center. The castle is surrounded by the city's park and offers on-site parking. Visitors can explore the castle's rich history and learn about its interesting past, including its role in the city's cloth industry and its use during World War I.