As I am still in forced hibernation, because of the bad weather, I take you on a tour to castles which are not very far away from Brussels.
The castle of Beersel The castle was first mentioned in the 12th century. The present fortress was constructed by Godfrey of Hellebeek between 1300 and 1310 as a defensive base for Brussels. Today you can visit and see the creepy inside and the torture basement.
Chateau de la Hulpe (The castle of La Hulpe) , was built in French style in 1842. It is surrounded by a 227-ha domain with pastures, woods and ponds, known as Domaine Solvay. The castle and the domain. In 1988, the movie Le Maître de musique (The Music Teacher) by Gérard Corbiau, starring José Van Dam, was made in the castle and park of La Hulpe.
Corroy le Chateau (Corroy Castle) is a castle built in the early twelfth century. The building is remarkably well preserved. Still inhabited by the marquis, the castle serves as a backdrop for cultural and artistic activities and for various events and seminars.
Gaasbeek Castle, is today a national museum. The fortified castle was built around 1240 to defend the Duchy of Brabant against the County of Flanders. It is surrounded by a beautiful park and woods and a well liked destination for an excursion. There are often Expositions taking place in the castle.
Domain of Huizingen is today a family park in a superb natural setting. The castle today belongs to the city and has been transformed to a wonderful restaurant. The park contains an unique rock garden and garden designed especially for the blind. 45 ha of woodland plus a little zoo. Lots of Brussels' families spent their day in this park and picnic.
The Lac Genval (lake Genval) is a popular vacation and holiday destination, the lake is surrounded by beautiful, turn-of-the-century homes built during the Belle Époque. Situated to the lake's south lies the Château du Lac, an exquisite five-star hotel, restaurant, and bar. It is very close to Waterloo and often on Sundays we walked around the lake, especially when our son was little.
Those castle shots are just glorious!
ReplyDeleteGreat views of the castle.
ReplyDeleteI am so envious, the castles are all so interesting.
ReplyDeleteI have no castles near me, in fact there are none in the whole country-sob,sob...
Interesting post about all your castles and excellent photos! I'm glad many of them are used by the public. The last one looks very smart. Hope you're warming up soon. Jo
ReplyDeleteHi Gattina .. love the photos - I must get back to visit Brussels sometime - and obviously include the countryside with its castles ..
ReplyDeleteWe're about to get some more nasty winter weather too ... keep warm and well - Hilary
How stupid of me . . . I never thought of castles in Belgium. But why shouldn’t there be, Belgium was always Belgium (the state; in the olden days it was all part of the same Europe as Germany, the Netherlands and parts of France.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are very interesting, I might visit one or two of the castles myself.
It looks alot like the calste of Egeskov in Denmark. It's beautiful, btw
ReplyDeleteGreat tour and photos!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteTres jolie! Wonderful and creative photography!
ReplyDeleteCarol of (A Creative Harbor) ^_^ on blogger ^_^
Such a great tour you've taken us on, Gattina!! I do love all the old castles one can see in Europe! It was one of the fun things I enjoyed while living in Europe for several years! Great memories! Terrific captures for the day!
ReplyDeleteI love castles. I am so sorry we don't have any around here short of Chateau Laurier and Chateau Frontenac.
ReplyDeleteOur Parliament buildings look a little like castles too but thats about it.
Can you imagine the stories these walls could tell.
You have quite a selection of castles you can visit in your area. Spring is on its way and it won't be long before you can be out there enjoying walks around these beautiful places.
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