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Castles & Gardens
There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than anywhere else in the world. Beautiful castles to experience, formal gardens to get lost in, peaceful abbeys and historic battlefields are awaiting your visit. We would like to suggest a few special sites for your historic journey through French speaking Wallonia and Brussels.
| Castles in Flanders | |
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Castle of Alden Biesen (Bilzen-Rijkhoven) The enormous castle-abbey is the largest between France's Loire River and the Rhine River. The present brick buildings date from the mid-16th to late 18th century. There is also a church, a gallery, an orangery as well as extensive French-style gardens. It is now a cultural center of the Flemish Community. |
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Castle of Beersel (Beersel) Beersel is one of Flanders' greatest medieval castles. The flat landscape forced the local lord to create a very large moat, high walls and impressively tall towers compared to other Belgian fortresses of that period.
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Castle of Gaasbeek (Gaasbeek) This castle was once lorded over to the city of Brussels in 1240 when the townspeople took terrible revenge and destroyed it. Restored in the 19th century, it contains outstanding 15th & 16th-century tapestries. Rubens's will is found in the castle museum which is set among the 110 acre park. |
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Castle of the Counts of Flanders (Ghent) The construction of the first castle, the foundations of which still remain, undoubtedly dates from the 13th century. The castle contains a crypt, a dungeon a court museum and an exhibition of historical weapons and armor. |
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| The Castle of Hex (Heks) The Castle of Hex was built in the 18th century and is surrounded by 12.5 acres of formal gardens set in a 150 acre English style park. A collection of old botanical roses, the oldest of which date from the original garden lay-out, is of particular interest. Every year, on the second weekend of Jun & Sep the gardens are open to the public. |
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Castle -Brewery Ter Dolen (Houthalen-Helchteren) During the middles ages, Ter Dolen was a fortified castle of the abbots of St-Truiden. In 1994 the family brewery Ter Dolen was established in the annex. |
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Castle of Ooidonk (Ooidonk) This typically Flemish castle that we see today is much the same as when it was rebuilt in 1595. The interior was redecorated in the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles by the artisans of the Second Empire. |
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The Steen (Antwerp) Located on the Antwerp harbor, the Steen (Stone) was one of the first building made of stone, in the year 1200. Throughout the centuries it was used as a prison and an archeological museum. Today it is the home to the National Maritime Museum. |
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Castle of Wijnendale (Torhout) Since the 11th century the fortress of Wynendale has dominated the plateau of Wynendale. Restoration began in the 19th century, the general aspect of an open country castle with water defenses was retained as well as part of the old walls and the 14th century turret. |
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| Gardens | |
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Arboretum Kalmthout (Kalmthout) A stroll through the 29 acre arboretum plunges you into a journey of discovery of the luxuriant and diverse world of plants. More than 7000 varieties of plants from all over the world, colorful flowering borders, rose gardens and butterfly gardens. Open: Daily Mar 15 - Nov 15 from 10:00-5:00. |
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| The Castle of Hex (Heks) The Castle of Hex was built in the 18th century and is surrounded by 12.5 acres of formal gardens set in a 150 acre English style park. A collection of old botanical roses, the oldest of which date from the original garden lay-out, is of particular interest. Every year, on the second weekend of Jun & Sep the gardens are open to the public. |
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The National Botanic Garden of Belgium (Meise) This paradise for nature lovers is an historic royal domain extending over 227 acres. Endless promenade walks lead through open-air collections of medicinal plants, herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees, and conifers. Another world is revealed in the Plant Palace, an enormous glasshouse covering 2.5 acres with more than 10,000 plant species including unusual plants from America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. |
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| Tour Operator in US and other useful links |
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The association Jardins Ouverts of Belgium (Open Gardens of Belgium) organizes visits of privately owned gardens. The gardens can be visited from March until October, either on set dates following the timetable (no reservation required) or by appointment. Groups must always come by appointment, out of public visiting dates. |
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Destinations Europe (Travel & Tours) Ltd. For castles and gardens tours |
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In depth information on Belgian castles including, packages , accommodations, visits and more. |
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Custom tour designed specifically for garden writers taking place in Belgium & Holland. |
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Several tour operators offer floral inspired small ship cruises and barges throughout Belgium and the Netherlands. |
