Beersel Castle

Beersel Castle, locally known as Kasteel van Beersel, lies next to the village of the same name, in the province of Flemish Brabant in the Flemish region in Belgium.

The Lords of Beersel were first mentioned in the second half of the 12th century. Their castle was probably just a wooden or stone keep on a circular motte, with a moat.

The first Lord of Beersel known by name was Godfrey of Hellebeek in the early 14th century. He built Beersel Castle, which served as an advanced outpost to defend the city of Brussels and protect the borders of the Duchy of Brabant against the County of Hainaut. In 1356-57, his castle was burned during the War of Succession of the Duchy of Brabant, but it was quickly rebuilt.

In the late 15th century, Hendrik III van Wittem was Lord of Beersel. During a revolt in Brussels against Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I in late 1488, Van Wittem supported the emperor. The people of Brussels then besieged Beersel Castle but without success. They returned in early 1489, led by Philip of Cleves and with heavy artillery. This times, after a few days of siege, the castle fell. It was badly damaged; the gate tower, southern tower, and residential wing were destroyed, and its walls were breached. Later, Maximilian retaliated by crushing the revolt and forcing the people of Brussels to rebuild Beersel Castle between 1491 and 1508. The Van Wittem family held the lordship of Beersel until 1591.

Around 1700, the castle was still in good condition. Later, Beersel Castle passed to the Dukes of Arenberg, who neglected it, leading to its abandonment later that century.

In the early 19th century, a cotton factory was operated inside the castle walls. Later, the castle was abandoned and fell into ruin. The famous French writer Victor Hugo visited and lamented its poor state.

Through marriage, the castle transferred from the Arenberg family to the Merode family, and in 1928, their descendants donated it to the League of Friends of Beersel Castle, which restored it. Since 1948, the castle has been owned by the Royal Association of Historic Residences and Gardens in Belgium, which has leased it to the municipal authorities of Beersel.

There are plans for extensive archaeological excavations and rebuilding of the residential wing. Visitors can explore Beersel Castle for a small fee. It’s a stunning castle with many rooms and staircases to explore. Highly recommended!

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