Belgium, Horst #0001 Horst Castle
The first explicit mention of the existence of the castle dates from 1434. The structure of this late 14th-century castle with moat was decisive for the structure of the castle that still exists today.
The castle often served as a base for hunting parties. However, this evolution ensured that the castle has been preserved almost untouched in its 17th-century condition.
During the turbulence under Maximilian of Austria in 1489, the castle of Horst was taken by the people of Leuven and set on fire.
The castle lost its military character in the 16th century and became more of a pleasant living area with a view of the moat, the ponds and the courtyard.
In 1587 Horst was destroyed by the "geuzen". It was not until the beginning of the 17th century that repair work began.
By about 1850 the castle must have been habitable again, but the castle buildings only served as a farm. During the 19th century, the village school took up residence in the castle for a while, but it was no longer used.
On 16 September 1996, Erfgoed Vlaanderen took over the castle on a long lease, after which a thorough restoration was carried out in order to bring it back to life.
Belgium, Horst #0001 Horst Castle
The first explicit mention of the existence of the castle dates from 1434. The structure of this late 14th-century castle with moat was decisive for the structure of the castle that still exists today.
The castle often served as a base for hunting parties. However, this evolution ensured that the castle has been preserved almost untouched in its 17th-century condition.
During the turbulence under Maximilian of Austria in 1489, the castle of Horst was taken by the people of Leuven and set on fire.
The castle lost its military character in the 16th century and became more of a pleasant living area with a view of the moat, the ponds and the courtyard.
In 1587 Horst was destroyed by the "geuzen". It was not until the beginning of the 17th century that repair work began.
By about 1850 the castle must have been habitable again, but the castle buildings only served as a farm. During the 19th century, the village school took up residence in the castle for a while, but it was no longer used.
On 16 September 1996, Erfgoed Vlaanderen took over the castle on a long lease, after which a thorough restoration was carried out in order to bring it back to life.