Rumbeke: Heritage, Park and Nature

Rumbeke brings together a range of themes: Renaissance history, historic mills, a church with several layers of history, and landscapes with their own distinctive design. Some places also have specific visitor requirements: visits to De Kleiputten are only possible with a guide, while visits to the cycling track are organised for groups.

Castle and Mill History

Rumbeke Castle was built in the Renaissance style in the early 16th century and is also known as Kaasterkasteel. The Kazandmolen offers a different historical perspective. It is a protected monument and originally served a dual purpose as an oil and grain mill. Today, it is a grain mill. It is also the last of the thirteen mills that once stood in Rumbeke. At the mill, you can distinguish between its former dual function and its present use as a grain mill.

The Sint-Petrus-en-Paulus Church Through the Ages

The present-day Sint-Petrus-en-Paulus Church was built between 1924 and 1929 to designs by the architect J. Viérin. It replaced the original Romanesque-Gothic church, which was destroyed during the First World War. The present building and the church’s earlier history therefore belong to different periods. Architecturally, the church is a three-aisled hall church; its overall design and several details draw on regional brick Gothic.

The furnishings also reflect different historical periods. Some furnishings from the 18th century have been preserved, including a pulpit from 1715 and a communion rail from 1739. A 16th-century tomb chest is dedicated to Jacob van Thiennes and his second wife, Katelijne van Ognies. The building’s history, architecture and preserved furnishings thus offer different clues for dating the church. With the appropriate authorisation from the church authorities, the church can be used for concerts, exhibitions and choir performances.

Park Design and Landscape

Provinciedomein Sterrebos is a 27-hectare park. Lawns alternate with centuries-old trees. Its star-shaped avenue layout is another defining feature: all the paths radiate from a central point. The open parkland and areas shaped by old trees sit alongside a clear geometric design.

Another approach to light and landscape can be found at MUZE’UM L in Rumbeke-Zilverberg. This unusual exhibition space focuses on light and landscape and is located on the local light meridian. This meridian is an imaginary north-south line across the Zilverberg site. The concept thus connects the exhibition theme with a reference line related to the site.

De Kleiputten and Cycling

De Kleiputten was created from a former clay-extraction site; the reserve was separated from the other pits by a dam. Today, it is a biodiverse habitat with a wide variety of species. Because of its sensitive nature, visits are only possible with a guide. The nature guides from Natuurpunt Mandelstreke offer discovery tours there. If you are planning a tour, check the visiting arrangements before you travel.

The Defraeye-Sercu outdoor cycling track in Rumbeke, Roeselare, has a rich cycling history. It is intended for young racers, cycling tourists and competitions. Visits are organised for groups; check the current visiting options in advance. Cycling history is therefore a distinct aspect of the place, while visiting the track requires separate planning.

For the wider travel overview: Roeselare.