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The Commanderie is a textbook example of the Maasland Renaissance style, recognizable by: brick construction combined with Namur stone; straight, symmetrical volumes; decorative tiers of brick; a closed, almost monastic courtyard.

Commanderie Castle is one of the most historically significant buildings in the region. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages: as early as the 13th century, a settlement of the Teutonic Knights existed here, from which the name "Commanderie" is derived. The castle was not only a stately residence but also an administrative and economic center for the surrounding lands. The complex is surrounded by a moat and has been rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries. A characteristic feature is the combination of medieval foundations with later Renaissance and Baroque elements. Particularly striking are the picturesque courtyard, the historic farm buildings, and the castle grounds surrounded by avenues and meadows. After the end of the Order's rule, the property passed into private hands and was used for agricultural purposes for a time. Today, Commanderie Castle is privately owned but parts of it are used for cultural and tourist activities. The castle represents the eventful history of the border region between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany and reflects the influence of religious orders of knights on the cultural landscape of this region.

The core of Horst Castle probably dates back to the 13th century and is characterised by a square keep. The keep probably belonged to the oldest core that was further expanded into a fortified castle in the 15th century. During the troubles under Maximilian of Austria in 1489, the castle of Horst was taken by the people of Leuven and set on fire. According to literary sources, only the keep, part of the entrance gate and a defensive wall remained standing. The residential and east wing were renovated and expanded in the 16th century. The round tower also dates from this period. The outer wall was provided with a rectangular bay window. The castle lost its military character and became more of a pleasant residential area with a view of the moat, the ponds and the inner courtyard. Brick construction with sandstone layers characterise these buildings. In 1587, however, the castle was set on fire again during the raids of the Geuzen. It was not until the beginning of the 17th century that restoration work began. It is difficult to deduce from the available sources to what extent this involved restoration or an embellishing conversion of the castle complex. Presumably nothing changed in the internal structure, but only after the structurally necessary repairs were the interiors completely refinished. Maria-Anna Van den Tympel had a new chapel built against the keep in the 17th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, the complex must have been damaged by plundering and neglect, and it is possible that it also suffered from plundering during the Brabant Revolution of 1830. Around 1850, the castle must have been habitable again, but the castle buildings only served as a farm. In the land registry, the site around the castle is called "De Notelaren Boomgaerd". Around that time, the most dilapidated part must have been demolished, namely the southern part and the superstructure of the gate. The rest of the complex was probably restored with reused demolition material and in traditional style. The castle was divided in 1880, with one part being registered as a school house. In 1897, a further division followed, with two plots being designated as houses. Several restoration campaigns followed in the 20th century. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Horst Castle, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/43619

Since December, there has been a spire on the castle again after the unstable spire was removed more than four years ago and could be viewed on a wooden platform in the pond. Now it is back. And the other works are also progressing quickly. More about the replaced spire on https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2024/12/10/torenspits-staat-weer-op-kasteel-van-horst-holsbeek/

Neercanne Castle was built on the original site of Roman fortifications, the caves of which still exist and are used as wine cellars. The original staircase with a banister on wide columns is still in the hall. The ceiling features relief depictions of weapon trophies. The castle is currently in use as a hotel and restaurant.

Beautiful but very busy. Good to know!

Early in the morning to avoid the crowds

Located directly on the Schlede and centrally in Antwerp, I didn't expect to see this magnificent castle there. The castle looks like one of the medieval castles from the earlier knight films. I found it very fascinating. The castle is also Antwerp's oldest building. Of course, it can also be visited.