The best walks and hikes around Aalter

In 1998, the village center of Lotenhulle was thoroughly redesigned. Not only was the church square redesigned, but several interventions were also carried out to slow down car traffic and/or direct it outside the village center. Among other things, the axis rerouting in Pittemstraat dates from that time. On July 10, 1998, the completed "new village center" was officially inaugurated.

The church of Lotenhulle is a relatively homogeneous Romanesque or Neo-Romanesque building. Yet, it is the result of a rather turbulent church history. The original Romanesque church was likely built at the end of the 12th century and enlarged to a three-legged church during the 16th century. It was severely damaged during the religious unrest of the 16th century. A complete restoration took place step by step during the 17th and 18th centuries. The 19th century also saw intense and extensive construction activity. The renovations around 1870 sometimes resembled a new building. The actual nave was rebuilt virtually from the ground up. The work was directed by architect August Van Assche. The octagonal crossing tower is the only remaining remnant of the original Romanesque church that has been preserved in a relatively intact condition. Source: aalter.be

The Poeke castle grounds were originally laid out according to the "seven-star" principle: seven avenues formed a star, centered on the axis of the castle's rear facade, extending to the rear of the park. The avenues were restricted after 1872. The areas converted to arable land were also reforested during this period. However, the avenue leading towards Lotenhulle is still clearly recognizable. It leads to this Lotenhulle-facing (hence the "Lootse") gate. Source: Inventory of Immovable Heritage

Catering business opposite the church

The chapel is attached to a house (from the third quarter of the 19th century) that used to be called "In de Tramstatie". "De Brauwer baker tenant" is barely legible on the facade. However, the chapel is probably older, possibly from the first quarter of the 19th century. https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/35005

The oven was heated by a baking oven at the time. In 2007, in the TV program Viva Victoria of Eén - which dealt with the fear of dogs - the castle, the dog kennel and the park were used as a backdrop. Source: Wikipedia

The last baroness (also mayor of Poeke, which at the time was still a separate municipality), Ines Pycke de Peteghem, bequeathed the castle in her will to the National Work of Catholic School Colonies (NWKS). After her death in 1955, the castle served for a long time as a holiday camp for young children from (often rather vulnerable) families of workers and small business owners (NWKS later became "Duinen-Heide"). Later, the local playground found a home here. The castle also served as a venue for classical concerts, among other events. I remember an "Interludium" (a short segment produced by the then BRT to fill the gaps between programs) being recorded here. Poetry evenings (under the banner: "The Closer the Better") featuring artists such as Simon Vinkenoog and Ivo Van Strijtem were also held here. And now in 2025 the castle expects the 22nd edition of the East Flanders Biennale of Contemporary Art.

This field chapel on the border of Ruiselede and Poeke is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. The chapel must date from before 1862. Above the door is "E.R./M.", which refers to the builder, Ernest Roman Moerman. Source: https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/90502