ウェスターロの洞窟・トップ20

Changes ownership and now it is forbidden to park anywhere there for anyone wishing to walk locally... Major restoration is also underway now...

Over the years, the castle was modernized and updated. This included the tower, whose heavy line of the fortified wall was broken by irregular window and door arrangements. The castle still houses remarkable works of art. The neo-Gothic armory houses a cast-iron stove from 1539 and two marble Renaissance mantelpieces. The castle also contains important paintings, tapestries, gold leather wallpaper, and furniture in a variety of styles. (Municipality of Westerlo)

The castle, built between 1909 and 1911 and designed by P. Langerock, was occupied by the Germans during World War II and later became a retirement home for priests. Since 1973, it has served as a town hall with a surrounding municipal park between Boerenkrijglaan, Hollandse dreef, and Merodedreef. The surrounding park features a neo-traditional gatehouse (number 63) and a gardener's house (Hollandse dreef numbers 1-3); and also includes a former sheepfold and pump house. The park surrounding the castle was transformed into an ornamental garden after World War I by the then gardener, F. Verrezen. In front of the castle: a fountain, dating from 1995 and designed by Architektuur Atelier BVBA. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)

A moated castle with an old core dating back to the 13th century. Founded by the powerful medieval Berthout family. Nicolaas Rubens, the second son of Pieter Paul Rubens, purchased the castle in the 17th century. During the Peasants' War of 1798, the French-minded commissioner van 's-Hertogenbosch resided here. He was driven out on October 21, 1798, by the rebels led by J.B. Caeymaex. They seized the parish registers and the lists of names used for the compulsory conscription of "our boys" into the French army. (Information board on site)

If a town hall can really be beautiful...

The castle of Jeanne de Merode serves as a town hall.

Hof van Rameyen, a moated castle with an old core dating back to the 13th century. “The castle was built by the Berthout family. One of its most famous residents was Nicolaas Rubens, the second son of Peter Paul Rubens, who spent his last years there.

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.