Magnificent Belgian Castles paint a charming panorama of the country, situated on hills, on lakes or in other picturesque locations. These structures range from medieval fortresses to elegant Renaissance castles, scattered throughout various regions of the country. Many of these castles were built between the 11th and 14th centuries, serving as defensive fortresses or residences for the nobility.
Belgium belongs to the group of twelve monarchies in Europe. The king, as the head of state, performs mainly a representative function, but also appoints the prime minister of the government, delivers speeches, awards state orders and has legislative initiative. Since 2013, King Philip I of Coburg has been on the throne, who took power in the country after the abdication of his father, King Albert II.
The title of the country with the highest number of castles per square meter goes to Belgium. There are estimated to be over 3,000 of these wonderful historic buildings throughout the country. Some of them are open to visitors and some are private residences.
Gaasbeek Castle
Gaasbeek Castle is magic located enthroned the rolling hills of Pajottenland just outside Brussels. The castle is an esteemed museum with a rich art collection (precious furniture, tapestries, paintings, sculptures, and silverware). Visit Gaasbeek castle with its unique architecture and art collection, and situated in the middle of beautiful wooded grounds with twisting paths.
Gravensteen Castle
The Castle of the Counts is a medieval castle in the center of the city of Ghent .Endless corridors, narrow spiral staircases, high halls and real battlements ist charming advantages of castle.
The castle has not been inhabited for centuries. Nevertheless, the building is neither empty nor abandoned. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of 12th century knightly culture. The gatehouse, the ramparts, the donjon, the count’s residence and the stables are open to visitors.
Het Steen Castle
Het Steen is a medieval fortress in the old city centre of Antwerp, one of Europe’s biggest ports. Castle is a centuries-old fortress that has been a symbol of the city’s strength and resilience for over 800 years. This stunning castle, with its unique architecture and rich history, is a must-see destination for visitors to the city.
Walzin Castle
The beautiful castle is located in an extremely picturesque area in the province of Namur, on the Lesse River. The stronghold, built on a fifty-meter high rock, was supposed to be a defense for the nearby city of Dinant.
Walzin Castle is private property and cannot be visited. It can be admired from several viewpoints. The castle surroundings are rich in many monuments.
Ooidonk Castle
The Ooidonk water castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Belgium, a jewel of 16th-century Flemish-Spanish architecture.The castle was used as an outpost and defensive stronghold of the golden trading city of Ghent.
Building it looks out on an old bend of the River Lys and is surrounded by a beautiful park. People can visit both the castle and the gardens. The owners, who inhabit the castle, are furthermore open to public and private events.
Jemeppe Castle
Between Namur and Bastogne, lies the impressive moated Castle of Jemeppe. Originated as a fortified house built here in the early 13th century.
Castle has restaurant, five halls and meeting rooms with the most modern infrastructure (internet, video, projectors). These can of course be clothed in a historical theme. In addition, the two multipurpose rooms in La Grange offer the possibility for seated diners up to 100 people. The large estates and gardens lying around are also ideal for jousting tournaments, medieval market or encampment, or outdoor activities.
Castle of Lavaux – Sainte – Anne
The Castle of Lavaux-Sainte-Anne it’s one of Wallonia’s most famous buildings, as well as a symbol of the Famenne region. Three museums are present: the first one presents rural life in the Famenne area, the second one shows how lords lived at the 17th and 18th centuries, and the third one presents stuffed typical animals from hte Famenne area. The main tower, its frame and the humid zone (swamp, meadow and pond) can also be visited. Come and visit the most beautiful castle built on a plain in Wallonia.
Modave Castle
Situated on a rock 60 meters above the valley of the Hoyoux river, the castle offers a magnificent view over the surrounding nature reserve of 450 hectares. Modave Castle, a Walloon Heritage Site, offers a unique tourist experience with over 25 rooms to visit. The tour begins on the first floor, continues on the second floor and ends with an exploration of the basement, followed by a captivating film on Vivaqua’s water catchments.
Royal Palace in Brussels
The majestic palace in Brussels, official residence of the King of the Belgians, is located in the centre of the city opposite the Palace of the Nation.
The Royal Palace in Brussels, just like the Palace of the Nation, symbolize in a way the Belgian constitutional monarchy. This building is the working place of the King where he settles down his administrative residence, receives the representative of political institutions, foreign guests and various other hosts.
In addition to the King and Queen office, the Royal Palace is also home to the services of the King’s house : the Cabinet of the King, the general secretariat, the civil list, the Military House, the Protocol and the queen’s secretariat.Other members of the Royal Family have also one desk at their disposal in the Brussel’s Palace where their collaborators are also at work.
Chimay Castle
Charming Chimay Castle is an ancient stronghold, which some documents suggest may be as old as the year 1000. In 1935, a fire destroyed much of what was left, including many irreplaceable works of art. Despite the damage, the princely family decided to rebuild the structure, and repairs have continued since that time. The castle is open to the public for tours during part of the year.
