De Merode Castle

The castle of the princes of Merode in Everberg (Kortenberg) is also known as the Hof te Montenaken. However, this can also mean another, older castle, which was a few hundred meters away. This building dates from the 16th century. The current castle was built in 1727 by the architect F. Neuville in the classicist style with Louis XVI ornaments. The castle has been in the possession of the van Merode family since 1704. The castle is not protected.

The history of the castle de Merode goes back to the 14th century, when the lords of Everberg built the Hof van Montenaken in the swamp, which came into the hands of the de Rubempré family through marriage. 17th-century prints show a Renaissance castle with stepped gables and corner turrets, surrounded by a moat. It was connected to the farmyard and the entrance gate via a drawbridge. In the 18th century, the French architect Neuville was commissioned to transform the castle into a classicist building in Louis XVI style. The old buildings remained, but new walls in French stone were placed in front of them. The farmyard was completely demolished and replaced by two side pavilions, creating a U-shaped whole. The Ionic columns, the triangular pediment and the mansard windows in the roof are striking. In the 19th century, we find the de Merode family as the owner. In 1841, a gardener's house, an orangery and a tree nursery are also mentioned. In 1848-49, the moats around the castle were filled in, part of the avenues were cut down, an English landscape park with accompanying pond was created. At the end of the 19th century, the terrace and the monumental staircase at the rear of the castle were added. In the right-hand side pavilion, Jean de Merode set up the Sint-Martinus dairy. The stables are decorated with ox heads. In 1908-09, the carpentry in the left-hand pavilion was transformed into the castle chapel and dedicated to Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel. This pavilion also houses the horse stables, coach houses and garages. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Kasteeldomein de Merode and surroundings, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/135116