Castle Park

Lembeek Castle is a former castle in the town of Lembeek, which is part of the Flemish Brabant municipality of Halle, located near Bondgenootstraat.There was a castle here as early as the 12th and 13th centuries, located on the border of the Duchy of Brabant and the County of Hainaut. This castle was located in a strategic location on the Senne. In 1194 there was fierce fighting over Lembeek between the two rulers, but this battle ended inconclusively and Lembeek became a kind of buffer zone. Both rulers had influence. The fortifications no longer had a function and fell into disrepair.At the end of the 16th century, the manor came to Jean Gruuset. His son Willem ordered the construction of a new castle in 1618. There was also a castle park for which a number of residents of Lembeek were simply expropriated. The castle formed a whole with the hospital that was founded in the early 13th century and where pilgrims to Saint Veroon could be received.In 1853, the then owner, Duke d'Ursel, sold the castle to the gin distiller Paul Claes. He had it restored and he also had the Malakoff Tower built. In 1904 the castle came to the Brothers of the Christian Schools. These brothers had the buildings enlarged, but they left at the end of the 1960s. The castle fell into disrepair and was purchased by a private individual to be demolished in 1971. The 6 hectare domain was purchased by the municipality in 1985 and in 1993 work began on redeveloping the Castle Park. Dilapidated buildings were demolished and other buildings were restored.

The Lembeek castle domain is a large park and nature reserve. There is also a large playground with play castle.
Most people of Lembeek still remember the Castle of Lembeek. It was built in 1618, but demolished in 1972 by the Colruyt company who wanted to build warehouses there. Almost all buildings were demolished. All that remains today is the small gatehouse with the three gate entrances and the right wing (the Hof de plaisantie). Today this building is used by various Lembeek associations.
At the entrance of the castle grounds there are two information boards with old photos of the castle.
discoverpajotzenne.be/listings/kasteelpark-lembeek