와스문스터‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪18‬개의 동굴

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.

Around the castle lies a domain that, together with the Hingenebroekpolder and Schellandpolder, once measured around 300 hectares. The park around the castle is around 40 hectares and is connected to the polders that are part of the Bornem silence area via the Notelaerdreef. In the park you will find yourself in an oasis of peace. The domain is open to the public and is eagerly visited by walkers and joggers. (RouteYou)

In 1550, knight Willem van Waelwijck united the existing lordships of Van der Moeren and Willemaers into a fief, the "Hof van Walburg", named after his wife Walburgh. He had a new building constructed there, a typical moated castle in traditional sand and brick style. In addition to the castle, the domain consisted of an orchard, a garden with two avenues. It included an upper and lower court. For many years, the title "Lord of Walburg" was transferred by inheritance or sale. The successive owners gave the castle domain various purposes, including a brewery, a pharmacy and a residence. In 1789, the French Republic abolished the title Lord of Walburg. In 1846, the castle came into the hands of the Van Naemen family. Jozef Felix Van Naemen renovated the castle according to the then current taste and lifestyle. The domain acquired a purely residential character. The last residents were the unmarried sisters Alix, Gabriélla and Elisabeth Van Naemen. The grounds of the domain were expropriated in 1949. In the same year, the Sint-Niklaas municipal council decided to purchase the "castle with dependencies and lands". In 1950, part of the domain was lost for the construction of the Parklaan. In 1952, the castle domain, redesigned by landscape architect Braeckman, was officially opened as a city park. In 1975, the castle was protected as a monument and the surroundings as a landscape. In 1983, the city council had a restoration file drawn up for the castle. In the same year, the bandstand, which stood on the Grote Markt until 1966, was rebuilt in the vicinity of the castle. In 1987, the city park was given its current name, the "Romain De Vidtspark" named after the mayor of Sint-Niklaas who was the driving force behind the purchase of the castle. In 1994, the restored and redesigned Walburg castle was reopened to the public. The caretaker's house was protected as a monument in 1999. Source: information board on site

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/)

Located in a green oasis in the middle of the city, the 16th-century Walburg Castle beckons. It is one of the most idyllic places in the city, especially on a sunny day. Willem van Waelwijck named his manor and his moated castle after his wife, Walburgis. The castle also included a pigeon tower and a very extensive park. Over the centuries, the castle served as a herb garden, brewery and warehouse and provided housing for knights, chief aldermen and mayors. Every Tuesday evening in July and August, locals and tourists gather around Walburg Castle for the fun Walburg concerts, now officially renamed Parkies.

beautiful environment in the middle of nature

During the preparation of the works, all areas of the castle and the outbuildings were cleared of "disturbing elements", so that the rooms now show their spaciousness of yesteryear in all their glory. Some interesting notes also emerged that provide a unique view of the history of the castle. This is how they came across the signatures of the craftsmen who worked in the castle in the distant past. Source: https://www.berlare.be/

In-depth restoration work on the castle has started since May 2023. The historic castle, outbuildings and orangery will be repurposed as the administrative center for municipal services. The works will last two years. The castle park will remain accessible during the works. Although certain parts are currently closed due to the site organization and the safety of visitors. The castle is now barely visible (as my photos show).