Spontin Castle

Spontin Castle, locally known as Château de Spontin, lies in the village of the same name, in the province of Namur in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

Spontin Castle was built by the Lords of Beaufort. Between 1266 and 1289, Pierre de Beaufort constructed the first fortification. In 1289, his son Guillaume II de Beaufort was rewarded with the fiefdom for services rendered to Henry VII, Count of Luxembourg. His descendants called themselves Beaufort-Spontin, and they owned the castle until the mid-19th century.

Initially, the castle was an imposing rectangular keep on a small island in the middle of the Bocq River. Guillaume II expanded the castle with towers, curtain walls, and a gatehouse, giving it a square ground plan.

In 1429, Spontin Castle was besieged by troops from Liège, but they failed to capture it. In 1465/66, the castle was again besieged, this time by troops from the city of Dinant. They seized and destroyed it.

The castle was rebuilt, but in 1554, it was taken and dismantled by Francois I, Duke of Nevers and commander of the French King Henry II's troops.

The owners then began restoring Spontin Castle. The castle's brick sections date back to that rebuilding phase. Additionally, a fortified bailey was constructed and used as a farm. This restoration was completed in 1622. By that time, the castle had the appearance of a medieval fortress, but it was actually a manor.

In later centuries, Spontin Castle was owned by several noble families. In the late 20th century, it was acquired by a society that operated it as a hotel and conference center. However, apparent mismanagement led to neglect.

Today, Spontin Castle can be visited for a fee from July through October. Outside those months, it only caters to group visits and events. It's a beautiful castle, and I especially liked its location next to a fast-flowing stream.

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