Châtelet Castle

Châtelet Castle, locally known as Le Vieux Châtelet, lies near the village of Marbais, in the province of Walloon Brabant in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

The exact date of Châtelet Castle's construction is unknown. The Lords of Marbais, who constructed it, are first mentioned in the 11th century, but the castle itself was first documented in 1299.

The Lordship of Marbais was located on the border between the Duchy of Brabant and the County of Namur. Initially, the lordship was tied to Brabant, but by the mid-12th century, sensing the growing influence of the Duke of Brabant, the Lords of Marbais sought alliances with the counts of Namur to escape the Duke's political control.

In 1554, King Henry II of France's troops destroyed Châtelet Castle and its lands, leading to its ruin. By 1600, the castle transferred from the Lords of Marbais to the t'Serclaes de Tilly family. Afterward, the castle ceased to serve a political role and was converted into a farm.

In 1968, excavations and restoration efforts restored the castle to its current appearance.

Currently, Châtelet Castle provides rental accommodation in its outbuildings. It is readily visible from the public road. A nice castle in a peaceful setting.

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