Court of Rings

The Ring Castle is a well-known attraction, also known as the Ringenhof Castle. “In 1849, construction began on the site where the brewing family Bogaerts had previously established their 'pleasure gardens of Ringen'. The daughter of the family married Auguste Berckmans, who had the current castle built. It is inspired by the Petit Trianon in Versailles,” Verwaest explains.

“During World War I, heavy fighting took place just a few hundred meters from here. Lier had fallen, and the fort of Lier was damaged. The German army then crossed over by boat, after which the Belgians launched a counterattack at night. Ultimately, the Belgians managed to return to the Nete, but the German artillery was far too strong. The castle was heavily damaged at that time. Hundreds of people were killed. In the 1990s, the castle was thoroughly restored by the current owner, fashion designer Dries Van Noten.”

Mediahuis België