Corroy Castle – one of the best-preserved 13th-century castles in Belgium
This magnificent castle, located near Gembloux in the province of Namur, is one of the best-preserved examples of 13th-century defensive architecture in Belgium. The current fortress was built around 1270 on the initiative of Count Philippe de Vianden.
Sandstone was mainly used to build the castle, while dolomite was used, among other things, to make window frames and some elements of the facade. A powerful fortress was built with massive round towers, surrounded by a moat. It was both a fortress and a representative residence.
The castle currently belongs to the Royal Association of Historic Houses and Gardens of Belgium. Its interiors, which feature preserved décor elements from different eras, can be explored during a guided tour. Photography is prohibited inside the castle.
Sandstone was mainly used to build the castle, while dolomite was used, among other things, to make window frames and some elements of the facade. A powerful fortress was built with massive round towers, surrounded by a moat. It was both a fortress and a representative residence.
The castle currently belongs to the Royal Association of Historic Houses and Gardens of Belgium. Its interiors, which feature preserved décor elements from different eras, can be explored during a guided tour. Photography is prohibited inside the castle.
The History of Corroy Castle
During the times of Philip of Vianden and Maria of Brabant-Perwez, the castle was built in two main stages. Around 1247, a massive rectangular keep was built. Then, after 1268, a stone defensive perimeter was built with numerous round towers. This part of the fortress was probably completed before the end of the 13th century.
For many centuries, the castle passed through inheritance between related families. In 1417 it came into the hands of the Nassau dynasty, and at the beginning of the 19th century, through the marriage of Amélie de Nassau to Gillion de Trazegnies, it passed to the Trazegnies family.
In 1542 the castle was captured by the troops of Martin van Rossem. The bombardment from the village side led to the destruction of a significant part of the gate building. The fortress was also plundered twice by French troops – in 1690 and 1697.
Over the centuries, the stronghold underwent numerous modifications. Around 1730–1740, the then owner ordered the demolition of the central keep and the south-eastern curtain wall. Thanks to this, the former fortress was transformed into a brighter and much more comfortable residence.
For many centuries, the castle passed through inheritance between related families. In 1417 it came into the hands of the Nassau dynasty, and at the beginning of the 19th century, through the marriage of Amélie de Nassau to Gillion de Trazegnies, it passed to the Trazegnies family.
In 1542 the castle was captured by the troops of Martin van Rossem. The bombardment from the village side led to the destruction of a significant part of the gate building. The fortress was also plundered twice by French troops – in 1690 and 1697.
Over the centuries, the stronghold underwent numerous modifications. Around 1730–1740, the then owner ordered the demolition of the central keep and the south-eastern curtain wall. Thanks to this, the former fortress was transformed into a brighter and much more comfortable residence.
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Adres:
Rue du Château de Corroy 4, 5032 Corroy-le-Château |
Opening hours:
May 1-September 31: Sunday: 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00 July-August: Saturday, Sunday: 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00 |
Fare:
12 euros |