Discover Rumbeke: Castle, Park and Mills

Rumbeke can be discovered through a wide variety of traces: Renaissance history, historic church art, a star-shaped park layout and a mill that still serves a purpose in grain milling all help shape the town. Light and landscape, as well as cycling history, also offer reasons to tailor your stay to your own interests. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Rumbeke, you can start by deciding whether architecture and history or nature and landscape should play a bigger role in your holiday.

Castle History and Church Art

Rumbeke Castle was built in the Renaissance style in the early 16th century and is also known as Kaasterkasteel. The name offers a second way of approaching the same building; its date of origin and style also place it in a defining period in architectural history. The castle is therefore a point of interest for anyone interested in historic architecture on their travels.

The Sint-Petrus-en-Paulus Church tells a different architectural story, shaped by the First World War. The original Romanesque-Gothic church was destroyed during the war. The present church was built on its site between 1924 and 1929, to designs by the architect J. Viérin. It is a three-aisled hall church, and both its overall design and several details draw on regional brick Gothic. The term describes its architectural classification, while the hall church and its three aisles offer another way to understand the building.

The furnishings also make the church noteworthy for those interested in cultural history. Some of its furnishings from the 18th century have been preserved: a pulpit dating from 1715 and a communion rail from 1739. There is also a 16th-century tomb monument for Jacob van Thiennes and his second wife, Katelijne van Ognies. Those exploring the site will therefore find several historical layers here—from the building’s history and preserved furnishings to the memorial to two people known by name. With permission from the church authorities, concerts, exhibitions and choir performances can be organised in the church.

Sterrebos and the Landscape of Rumbeke

At the 27-hectare Provinciedomein Sterrebos, grassy areas alternate with centuries-old trees. One distinctive feature is the star-shaped avenue layout: all paths radiate from a central point. This clear design gives the park its own landscape character and sets it apart from green spaces whose paths do not follow such a central layout. The park’s size, open grassy areas, old trees and star-shaped paths are all features to look out for as you explore.

De Kleiputten reveals another side of the landscape. This biodiverse area, rich in species, developed from a former clay extraction site; the reserve was separated from the remaining pits by a dam. As a result, a former site of industrial use and a diverse habitat now meet here. Because of the area’s sensitive nature, visits are only possible with a guide. The nature guides from Natuurpunt Mandelstreke offer discovery tours there. Check the current arrangements in advance if you plan to include this stop in your itinerary.

Mills, Light and Cycling

The protected Kazandmolen combines historic use with a present-day function. Originally, it served as both an oil mill and a grain mill; today it is a grain mill. It is the last of the thirteen mills that once stood in Rumbeke. This contrast brings the town’s long milling history to life: its original dual function belongs to the past, while the grain mill describes its current use.

In Rumbeke-Zilverberg, MUZE’UM L explores light and landscape in an unusual exhibition space. It is located on the local light meridian, an imaginary north-south line across the Zilverberg site. This concept connects the exhibition’s theme with a specific line of orientation in the landscape. For travellers interested not only in architectural and local history but also in unusual exhibition concepts, MUZE’UM L offers something distinctive.

The Defraeye-Sercu outdoor cycling track in Rumbeke, Roeselare, has a notable history in cycling. It is intended for young racing cyclists, cycling tourists and competitions. Visits are organised for groups; check in advance which visit options are currently available.

Rumbeke offers a range of themes to help you plan your visit: the castle and church lead into architectural and cultural history, Sterrebos and De Kleiputten offer designed and diverse landscapes, while the mill, exhibition space and cycling track appeal to other interests. When choosing a holiday rental, you can use these themes to decide what you would like to focus on during your stay and search for suitable accommodation in Rumbeke.

For the broader travel overview: Roeselare.