Countess Castle of Male - Bruges

The origins of the castle may date back to the 9th century , when a motte -and-bailey castle existed. A motte-and-bailey castle was usually a mound (motte) with a fortified wooden tower on top. In the 12th century , Philip van den Elzas built a stone fortress .

The most important person whose name is associated with this castle was Lodewijk van Male, who was born there in 1329. The count's domain was gradually donated to religious institutions and sold to private individuals, creating farmsteads.

In 1269 Countess Margaretha II gave the city of Damme the right to use the Malevijver for drinking water . Under a 4200m long road, the pype was laid that led the Maalse water, located west of the castle, to Damme. Today that road is called the Pijpeweg.

The castle tower dates from the 16th century and a 17th century wing has been added to it.

It was occupied by German troops in both World Wars and was badly damaged . From 1954, Saint Trudo Abbey settled in the castle, which was also renovated and expanded. From 1954 to 1965, the complex was expanded with a newly built knight's hall, a guest house and an abbey church.

The nuns left the building in 2013 after entrepreneur Hein Deprez bought it.

Willem Vandenameele