Panoramic castle of Walzin

The neo-Gothic castle stands on a steep rock above the right bank of the River Lesse. The most beautiful view is from the meadow opposite the Castle.

This architectural ensemble, built between the 15th and 20th centuries, has been destroyed, changed and supplemented many times. The uniformity of the materials and the predominantly neo-traditional openings give it a homogeneous appearance today.

It stands close to the ruins of Cavrenne on the neighboring rock "al Penne" , which may date from the 13th century (first mention in 1235).

The last time the castle was renovated was in 1930. Then Baron Frédéric Brugmann de Walzin had the castle renovated again. He opted for the Maasland style , common in the region, which gave the castle its current, well-known appearance.

The gardens of the castle were designed by architect Louis Julien Breydel , who also has the botanical garden in Brussels to his name. The castle is located in a wooded area, the Bois de Chaleux . This is not open to visitors, but the gardens are, possibly with a guided tour.

The castle is nicknamed 'the Belgian Neuschwanstein'. It was used as a guard and defense post for the city of Dinant . It provided shelter, among other things, to Lord Guillaume De La Marck, nicknamed the “Boar of the Ardennes” , referring to the numerous massacres he caused throughout the country.

Due to its grandeur and history, the castle has inspired many artists : this is the case of the Belgian designer Remacle Leloup , the French painter and sculptor Gustave Courbet and the novelist Victor Hugo.

Willem Vandenameele