7 great castles in Belgium you should know of
Belgium is known for its stunning history and architecture. There are over 3,000 castles that you can explore, and they are dotted all over the cities and the countryside. From fortified structures that date back to the early Middle Ages, to imperial palaces and lavish mansions: you’ll never have a dull moment.
1. Gravensteen, castle of the Counts of Flanders
In Ghent, you need to visit this mysterious Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), which has everything you can imagine in a medieval castle: strong stone fortifications, towers, and even a creepy torture museum inside, with a unique collection of torture equipment. It is the only remaining mediaeval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Its wooden foundations were built back in the early 1000s, and the first stones were planted in around 1180. Over time, the castle quickly developed from a defensive outpost to a luxury residence for the Counts and nobility.
2. Ooidonk Castle: a touch of Hispanic renaissance
After visiting Gravensteen, you can visit Ooidonk Water Castle, as it is only a stone’s throw away from the Gravensteen. Ooidonk Castle is widely considered as one of Belgium’s finest. Not only is this a peaceful place to visit, but it is also one that is incredibly unique. This medieval fortres was rebuilt in 1595 and is a sole example of the Hispanic-Flemish architectural style that emerged during the Renaissance. Nowadays Ooidonk Castle is home to the 6th Count and Countess t’Kint de Roodenbeke and their 3 children.
3. Castle in a sea of flowers at Groot-Bijgaarden
Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is a 12th century castle located in Dilbeek, only 7 km from the centre of Brussels. Unfortunately, the original one was completely destroyed, but a stunning Flemish Renaissance edifice replaced it in the 17th-century. Every year Floralia Brussels organises a flower exhibition in the park of the castle of Groot-Bijgaarden. So if you want to contemplate the 14 hectares of gardens in full bloom, this is the place (and time) to do so! The bridge in front of the castle, however, is always accessible.
4. A touch of Ireland in Wallonia: Carondelet Castle
The Carondelet Castle, in the small town of Crupet, north of Dinant in the province of Namur, is one of the best preserved tower house castles outside of the UK and Ireland. The private property is still owned and occupied by the Limbosch family. It dates back to the 11th century and stands in a little lake. From a simplified fortified country home, it was soon transformed into a lavish Renaissance castle during the 16th Century.
5. Leignon Castle: a window for each day of the year
The Liegnon Castle, close to Ciney, was built in the 19th century according to the analogy of the calendar and has 365 windows (365 days), 4 towers (4 seasons), 52 rooms (52 weeks) and 12 staircases (12 months). It is mostly known under it’s nickname of Le château des milles fenêtres: the castle with a thousand windows. An earlier building on this site, dating back to the 17th century, on an old estate belonging to the Stavelot Abbey, has completely been rebuilt around 1890 by Isidore Jacques Eggermont, a diplomat from Ghent. Belgian architect Auguste Van Assche gave the castle its present appearance.
6. Gaasbeek Castle: national treasure in the outskirts of Brussels
Gaasbeek castle, nearby Lennik, is a national museum that exhibits important art collections, from furniture to the testament of the famous painter Rubens, all displayed in lavish rooms. It dates back to the 16th century, however built on the ruins of a medieval castle from the 13th century. It obtains its medieval appearance as a result of a renovation from 1887–1898: truly an impressive building. On Sundays, guided tours of the castle’s medicinal garden are given by one of the gardeners.
7. Lavaux-Sainte-Anne Castle: a tribute to nature and hunt
The Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, near Rochefort in the province of Namur in the Walloon region in Belgium, dates back to the first half of the 15th century. It was built on a swampy plain near the small Wimbe river by the Berlo family. In 1464 the castle was besieged by the citizens of Dinant, who could not take it. During the French Revolution the castle was abandoned and fell to ruin. Since 1958 the castle houses a museum dedicated to hunting.
