ニールの洞窟・トップ20

The castle was built by the Spanish nobleman Don Pedro Coloma and still exudes its former grandeur. Philippe de Marnix, Lord of Sainte Aldegonde, was the right-hand man of Prince William of Orange. He played a key role during the siege and fall of Antwerp in 1585 while mayor of the city. He is also mentioned as a possible author of the Wilhelmus, the Dutch national anthem.

Wissekerke Castle...

Few buildings in the Waasland region hold such a mythical allure as the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) in Rupelmonde. The names associated with it certainly contribute to that. This tower, for example, is the remnant of a moated castle with no fewer than 17 towers, once owned by the Counts of Flanders. This colossal fortress protected the Scheldt River from attackers and conquerors. Mercator's Dungeon Mercator also plays a key role in this story. When he shared his revolutionary insights with the world, he was promptly sent to the dungeon by the church authorities. Guess where that dungeon was located? Exactly, in the cellars of the Graventoren. Here he was imprisoned for seven months, accused of heresy. A Bloody History Mercator, however, was not the only one to enter the cellars of the moated castle. Many dissidents suffered the same fate, and often worse. A stay in the dungeons of the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) often ended with a bloody decapitation. While the Counts of Flanders may have enjoyed legendary status in history, they were certainly not gentlemen. Count Robert of Bethune once even threw his own son in jail here, accused of high treason. A kind of chamber arrest before its time, you might say. At the end of the 17th century, the moated castle came to an end. The fortress was drastically destroyed, and the rubble was reused for other buildings. For example, the church of Rupelmonde was built with materials from the castle ruins.

Unfortunately the tower was not open, but it is still a beautiful site to walk past. A nice surprise and definitely worth taking a detour from your route.

Remains of the 12th century moated castle built by the Counts of Flanders to defend the Scheldt and the Rupel.

More information about the fort can be found at: https://www.fortliezele.be

For individual visits: From 1 April to 30 September and during school holidays Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM The castle and the castle garden are only accessible with a guide Reservations are recommended (https://www.kasteelvanbornem.be/bezoek/)

beautiful environment in the middle of nature