Belgium, located in the center of Europe, is known for its famous beers, fries, the Atomium, and much more. But do you know that Belgium has also a lot of extraordinary beautiful castles? There are approximately 3000 castles scattered all over Belgium, from the northern Flanders region all the way to the southern region of Wallonia. There are small and big castles in Belgium, I want to show you at least 10 of them.
1. The Castle of Vêves
The Castle of Vêves (1230) occupies a rocky platform just outside the village of Celles, in the province of Namur, Belgium. It is classified as Major Heritage of Wallonia.
2. Gravensteen Castle
The Gravensteen (Dutch; literally “Castle of the Counts”) is a medieval castle located in Ghent, East Flanders. The current castle dates back 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city which became a famous tourist destination in Ghent.
3. Walzin Castle
This is one of my favourite castles in Belgium! Walzin Castle is situated in the province of Namur, over the river Lesse and near Dinant. Its construction began in the 13th century. This castle is very popular during the summer for kayaking and other activities.
4. Ooidonk Castle
Ooidonk Castle is situated in Deinze, East Flanders, at an altitude of 11 meters. The castle’s name is a derivation of the word ‘hodonk’ which means a higher piece of land in a swamp. The castle is the residence of the current Count t’Kint de Roodenbeke.
5. Annevoie Castle
Annevoie Castle is a castle in the village of Annevoie-Rouillon in the municipality of Anhée, province of Namur. The Castle is part of the Garden of Annevoie with a beautiful park and some waterfalls. If you are lucky you can see the peacocks in the garden. It was built in the 18th century by the Montpellier family.
6. Modave Castle
Modave castle is located in Liege, also known as the “Château des Comtes de Marchin” (Castle of the Counts of Marchin). The oldest part of the building, the donjon, was built (probably from the 13th century) on a strategic rock high above the valley of the river Hoyoux. The castle was the house of several famous owners, but since 1941 it belongs to VIVAQUA. The château is unique for its splendidly preserved historic interiors and furniture dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
7. Alden Biesen Castle
Alden Biesen is a 16th-century castle in the province of Limburg. It was the headquarters of a bailiwick or province of the Teutonic Order in the region of the Maas and Rhine. The castle is used today as a cultural and conference center.
8. Groot-Bijgaarden Castle
This castle was built around the 12th-century in Groot-Bijgaarden in the municipality of Dilbeek, Flemish Brabant. It is famous for its tulips and flower festivals during the springs. Garden architect Louis Fuchs created the 14-hectare park alongside the castle at the start of the 20th century. The park is open in spring every year since 2003 for an international flower exhibition with tulips from the Netherlands.
9. Gaasbeek Castle
Gaasbek castle is located in the municipality of Lennik in the province of Flemish Brabant. The fortified castle was erected around 1240 to defend the Duchy of Brabant against the County of Flanders. However, the castle was destroyed by Brussels city troops in revenge for the assassination of Everard t’Serclaes, which was commanded by the Lord of Gaasbeek.
This castle today is a national museum. It contains impressive art collections displayed in lavishly decorated historical rooms. A remarkable collection piece is the authentic testament of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens.
10. Château de Beloeil
The Château de Belœil is a château situated in the municipality of Belœil in the province of Hainaut. Since the 14th century, it has been the residence of the Prince de Ligne. The château lies in the middle of a Baroque garden designed in 1664. The château and gardens can be visited during spring and summer.
