The original castle was built in the 15th century by Willem van Berchem. In 1542, this castle was destroyed by Maarten van Rossum. Jan van Renesse built the current castle and the outbuildings a few years later. The architect was Hendrik Lambrechts. Many important people visited, such as Emperor Charles V, William the Silent and Margaret of Parma.
In the following centuries, the castle was plundered several times and used as a residence for warring troops. Finally, it fell into disrepair. In 1793, the upper court and the farm were demolished.
In 1830, the de Renesse family disappeared from the castle: Count Clément de Renesse-Breidbach sold the whole to Viscount Leonard du Bus de Gisignies. He had the service buildings converted into a country house. He also expanded the entire domain and had an English garden laid out in the park. Among other things, the giant sequoias were planted at that time. His son Bernard Amé du Bus de Gisignies and grandson Bernard du Bus de Gisignies continued to manage the domain. Bernard du Bus de Gisignies became mayor of Oostmalle. His daughter Isabelle married Count Maximilien de Renesse-Breidbach in 1896. The castle thus came back into the hands of the de Renesse family.
In 1920, the castle was renovated in Flemish neo-Renaissance style. In 1941, part of the western wing was bombed to pieces by the British. This part was not restored.
Later, Count Thierry de Renesse also became mayor of Oostmalle. After his death in 1973, negotiations began on the purchase of the castle by the municipality. In 1983, the municipality bought the castle and part of the domain. The Flemish Region bought the remaining 33 hectares. In 1985, the management of the castle and the entire domain was transferred to the specially established non-profit association Domein de Renesse. Since 1982, the castle has been protected as a monument.[1]
The castle of the Counts de Renesse is a striking eye-catcher in the heart of Oostmalle. The castle, the earliest traces of which date from the 15th century, had a turbulent history. In 1983 it became the property of the municipality and in 1985 Domein de Renesse vzw was entrusted with its management.
The Kasteel de Renesse is a castle in the center of Oostmalle, a sub-municipality of the municipality of Malle. The castle has a large park. The whole is called Domain de Renesse. Wikipedia
Address: Lierselei 30, 2390 Malle
Opening hours:
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday 13:00–18:00
Monday 13:00–18:00
closed on Tuesday
closed on Wednesday
Thursday Closed
Translated by Google •
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