Jeanne de Merode Castle

The castle was built between 1909 and 1911 and is a beautiful example of Brabant neo-Gothic. It belonged to the Countess Jeanne de Merode. After her death (1944) it was used for a while as a rest home for priests. Since 1972 it has served as the town hall. The name de Merode appears in the history books of Westerlo as early as the end of the 15th century. Then Westerlo even came into the hands of the noble family through marriage. It remained that way until the French Revolution. Then Westerlo was 'lent' to the Duchy of Brabant. In front of the town hall there is a beautiful fountain with three bathing women, a work of art by Rik Poot.

The castle of Countess Jeanne de Merode, also called the "new castle", was built between 1909 and 1911 and is an example of neo-Gothic. It looks like you are walking into the sets of the popular television series Downton Abbey. From 1911 until the Second World War, the castle was inhabited by the countess, her former governess and a few staff members. After the death of the countess in 1944, the Augustinian sisters ran a retirement home for priests in the castle. In 1972, the municipal authorities of Westerlo bought the building and converted it into a town hall. The park around it has retained its original design. The pond with fountain and accompanying artwork by Rik Poot in front of the town hall dates from 1995. The castle is accessible during the opening hours of the municipal administrative services and during the exhibitions that are regularly held. There are a few benches in the park around the castle. You can relax or have a picnic there. More information on toerismewesterlo.be/wat-doen/bezienswaardigheden/kastelen/kasteel-jeanne-de-merode-1

One must envy Westerlo for having such a town hall.