For more than five centuries, the name de Merode has been linked to the history of the municipality of Westerlo, and yet ... the de Merode family has not always been in possession of the castle. The first Lord of Westerlo known by name is Count Ansfried, who lived in the second half of the tenth century. In 1482, the castle came into the hands of the de Merode family, after which they bought off the property rights in 1620. The domain has been in their possession ever since. Jan-Philips-Eugeen de Merode (1674-1732), Grande of Spain, Knight of the Golden Fleece and Field Marshal General of the Imperial Armies of Austria, had a network of roads built through his domain and embellished the castle. The family slogan "plus d'honneur que d'honneurs" certainly applied to him. The Castle de Merode is more than 600 years old and still inhabited by the Princes de Merode.

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🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

March 6, 2023

Prince de Merode Castle

The Prince de Merode Castle stands out for its pure and sober architecture. The oldest part, the keep or fortress tower, dates from the Middle Ages. In the 16th century, the inner courtyard was built in front of the keep and the castle was expanded with side wings and corner towers. The farmyard with farm, business buildings and service rooms for the staff and soldiers dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. The renovation works in the 18th century were intended to make the castle a pleasant residence.

The castle has, with the exception of a short interruption, always been in the possession of the de Merode family. Today, this private domain is inhabited by Prince Simon de Merode.

The castle domain is exceptionally opened to the public in the context of Christmas Magic every year in December and during the spectacles that Historalia organizes there every 2 years in the summer.

Between walking nodes 12 and 13 of the Merode walking network you walk on the banks of the Grote Nete with a beautiful view of the castle and the mirror pond..

Source: toerismewesterlo.be/wat-doen/bezienswaardigheden/kastelen/kasteel-prins-de-merode

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Pascal Vanhove 🚵🥾🚴‍♂️

June 6, 2020

A beautiful gravel path passes the castle along the river Grote Nete. Turn south to follow the route through the castle park.

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Elevation 20 m

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Location: Westerlo, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

De Merode Castle, Westerlo

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