Beersel Castle
The moated Beersel Castle is one of the few well-preserved examples of medieval fortifications in Belgium. Built in 1300-1310 by Godfrey of Hellebeke, it was to be the first line of defense of Brussels. Next to Gaasbeek Castle, it became one of several Brabant fortifications in the area. During the War of the Brabant Succession, in 1356-1357, the stronghold besieged by soldiers of the County of Flanders, led by Louis Male, was captured and completely plundered.
During the rebellion against Maximilian I, Beersel sided with the Emperor, which sparked a conflict with Brussels. The castle was besieged twice by Brussels troops in the years 1488 and 1489. During the second siege, when the attackers used cannons provided by Louis XI, the fortress fell after a few days, suffering significant damage, especially on the southern side.
During the rebellion against Maximilian I, Beersel sided with the Emperor, which sparked a conflict with Brussels. The castle was besieged twice by Brussels troops in the years 1488 and 1489. During the second siege, when the attackers used cannons provided by Louis XI, the fortress fell after a few days, suffering significant damage, especially on the southern side.
In 1491 the fortress was rebuilt, on the orders of Maximilian I, with money from defeated Brussels. In the 16th century, when castles began to lose their military functions, Beersel became a private residence. In 1617 year, roofs were added to the fortified towers. At the end of the 17th century, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin. In 1818 a cotton factory was established here. In 1928 the abandoned castle was taken over by the League of Friends of Beersel Castle, which began renovation of the destroyed building. Three towers and defensive walls were renovated. Unfortunately, the residential building and the eastern part of the castle were significantly damaged and were not rebuilt. In 1934 Beersel Castle was included in the list of monuments.
|
Address:
lotsestraat 65 1650 beersel |
Opening hours:
01/03-31/03: saturday-sunday: 11.00-17.00
01/04-31/05: wednesday-friday: 13.00-17.00, saturday-sunday: 3131 3131/31: wednesday-sunday: 3131 3131/31: wednesday-friday:0303, saturday-sunday:0303 0303/03: saturday-sunday: 0303 |
Ticket price:
4,5 Euro |
Interesting places around Beersel |
Church of Our Lady in Alsemberg - 5 km
Gaasbeek Castle - 8 km Halle - 8 km Brussels - 10 km Waterloo - 12 km |