Château de Solre-sur-Sambre

Fun fact: the name of Solre-sur-Sambre originates from the Celtic word sol-ara meaning "muddy water". Solre-sur-Sambre is located at the confluence of the Thure, which borders the fortified castle and feeds its moat, and the Sambre. This is the home of Prince Amaury de Mérode, and the home is therefore not open to visitors.

A beautiful (private) water castle only a few 100m away from the Sambre

The current castle was built around 1400 and is an example of Hainaut military architecture, although modifications were made in later years. It is located at the confluence of the Sambre and Thure. The moat is fed by the last river. The castle had to protect the County of Hainaut against both France and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège.

The square plan with the central heavy square keep on the north side, which also houses the entrance gate, is striking. This keep is older, dating from the 13th century. It has a Gothic archway and a 13th-century carved stone fireplace. The tower is symmetrically flanked by two wings, each closed by an identical round tower. There are also two such towers at the rear, but these have become a ruin. All this encloses a square square.
In 1593 a house and a barn were added.
The castle is still privately owned today, currently in the hands of the Merode family and not open to the public. It does not contain any period rooms or anything like that.