Wissekerke Castle

A castle has stood at this site since the 10^th century, but the present structure was largely built in the 15^th century. Since then, it has been rebuilt and renovated; most of the architecture now is 19^th century Neo-Gothic. In 1981, the castle, gatehouse, iron suspension bridge and dovecote were listed as monuments. The bridge is one of the oldest wrought iron suspension bridges in Europe.

Our Outing

Taking Antwerp’s new water bus, we will cruise to Kruibeke/Bazel, where our guide will give us on a 90 minute tour of the castle and its grounds, telling us about the site’s history and the rich BVs who lived there. Afterwards, we’ll have a drink on a nearby terrace, before arriving back in Antwerp at approximately 5:30.

Where: Wissekerke Castle is located at Lange Gaanweg 2-4, 9150 Kruibeke/Bazel

Getting there: We will take the 1 pm water bus from Steenplein (on the Schelde, directly across from the Van Mieghem Museum) for a 17 minute ride to Kruibeke and further transport to Wissekerke Castle. Please arrive at the Steenplein boat dock at 12:50 so you don’t miss the proverbial boat!

Further transport: We are looking for 3-4 volunteers who will be driving to Wissekerke anyway and can meet us at the water bus stop to shuttle 3 or 4 water bus passengers to our destination, a 10 minute ride away. (More details will be provided to these volunteers shortly before the outing.)

Guided Tour Starting Time: 2 pm

Cost: Members €10; guests €15 for the tour and a drink afterwards. The water bus fare (round trip standard fare €5, senior fare €4) will be paid individually once on board.

To register: Please sign up with Kathryn Passmore or Sue Van Looy, by Wednesday May 16^th, providing the attendees’ names and indicating whether you will be taking the water bus or getting to the castle on your own. If you are coming by car and can provide shuttle service, please let Kathryn or Sue know how many passengers you can take.

Payment: Transfer the appropriate amount to the ABIW account, mentioning your name(s) and “Wissekerke”. The deadline for both registration and payment is Wednesday May 16^th. Receipt of payment confirms your booking.

Notes:    Group size is limited to 20 participants.

There is an elevator in the castle.

The date of this outing has been moved to Saturday May 26, due to changes in the water bus’s weekday schedule. Apologies for any disappointment caused.

Signups for this tour will begin on publication in the April/May double issue Grapevine.