Water Castle Millen

History

The Water Castle was the center of the lordship of Millen or Milina, which was a fief of the County of Loon. It was first mentioned in 1143. The oldest known lord was Walter of Millen (Walterus de Milne), who was the seneschal of Louis II of Loon.

The castle was first mentioned in 1365. The original fortress was transformed into a water castle in the 14th century. At that time, it consisted of the older donjon that was expanded into a square water castle with a gate tower and two side towers. In the first half of the 17th century, the dilapidated fortress was converted into a castle. It became a comfortable noble residence without military significance. From the 18th century onward, the castle was no longer permanently inhabited and fell into disrepair. In 1811, it was purchased by Baron de Blisia, after which a large part of it was demolished, including the donjon and the tower on the southwest side. Only the east and west wings remained, which have since served as a farm.

In 1972, the remains of the castle were purchased by the municipality and restored. The 14th-century left tower made of marl stone has a Gothic vault. It is part of the east wing, which may date back to the 12th century.

Present

Today, the castle houses a museum depicting the life of the nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is also a center for several cycling routes in the surrounding area that have the fortified past of the Euregio as their theme. The building also features a tourist café and the water castle is freely accessible.

Annemie Verlinde