# Wijnendale Castle

- **Country:** Belgium
- **Coordinates:** 51.078925, 3.059483
- **Location Text:** Torhout

Wijnendale Castle, known locally as Kasteel van Wijnendale, is a historic residence located in Torhout, West Flanders, Belgium. While the original fortress was established by Robert I, Count of Flanders, at the end of the 11th century, the current structures primarily reflect a nineteenth-century restoration. Despite these later renovations, parts of the north wing remain from the fifteenth century, showcasing a blend of medieval origins and subsequent architectural evolution. The site serves as both a private home for the owning family, the Matthieu de Wynendaele lineage, and a public museum accessible to visitors interested in regional heritage.

The castle holds profound historical significance as a former residence for the Counts of Flanders and Namur. It was the setting for pivotal events, including the 1297 treaty between Guy of Dampierre and King Edward I of England. Perhaps most notably, Mary of Burgundy died here in 1482 following a horse-riding accident, an event that triggered over three centuries of Habsburg rule in the Low Countries. Throughout the centuries, the estate passed through the hands of the Dukes of Burgundy, Cleves, and Pfalz-Neuburg, surviving sieges during the Franco-Flemish War and partial destruction by fire in 1578.

Today, Wijnendale Castle stands as a testament to its resilient past, having been transformed from a military base into a stately mansion during the fifteenth century under the Lords of Ravenstein. The property features on-site parking and is promoted by the City of Torhout as a key cultural destination. By maintaining one wing as a family residence and another as a museum, the castle preserves its legacy while continuing to educate the public about its rich involvement in European political history and aristocratic life.

![Photo of Wijnendale Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Wijnendale2.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wijnendale_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)