Top 20 Castles around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
Castles around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode is a municipality characterized by its dense urban fabric and rich architectural heritage, primarily featuring neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco styles from the 19th century onwards. While traditional fortified castles are not found within its immediate borders, the area provides access to historical sites and green spaces in the broader Brussels region. It is recognized for its urban development and cultural institutions, such as Le Botanique.
Best castles around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
- The most popular castles is The Prinsen Castle, a castle that served as the residence of the Lords of Grimbergen from the 14th century. Its ruins are located in the Prinsenbos and date from the early 17th century.
- Another must-see spot is De Viron Castle, a Neo-Tudor style castle. Designed in 1862, it now functions as the town hall of Dilbeek and features 12 towers, 52 rooms, and 365 windows.
- Visitors also love Meise Botanic Garden, a botanical garden that includes a castle. This extensive garden, dating back to 1796, encompasses 92 hectares and features a castle with a tower from the 12th century.
- Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode is known for historical castle ruins, castles repurposed as public buildings, and historical estates integrated into large gardens. The variety of castles to see and explore includes former residences and significant architectural monuments.
- The castles around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 210 upvotes and 16 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
Meise Botanic Garden
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But you can also discover a lot outside in the spacious garden. The hoarfrost glistens on dried fruit stands and grasses, the snow is heavy. The buds are already swelling, the kittens jumping, soon the snowdrops are ringing and the winterlings are turning blue - nature knows no standstill.
During the winter idyll from December 10th to January 8th, the garden is bathed in magical lights, light installations with music along a 3.5 kilometer long path will enchant you and (re) awaken your belief in elves and fairies. The garden is open until 11 p.m. on these evenings.
Our tip: A mulled wine in the orangery, the garden's self-service restaurant. The lord of the castle used to winter his "orange trees" and other exotic plants here - now you can warm up and strengthen yourself here.
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The Prinsen Castle
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De Viron Castle
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Laeken Castle
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Groot-Bijgaarden Castle
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Viron Castle, designed by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar in 1862, is now used as the town hall. The castle is situated at the highest point of Dilbeek's municipal park, north of the Sint-Alenatoren tower. The ice cellar is located west of the castle along Heetveldelaan. The castle, its outbuildings, and the park were designated as a protected monument and village view in 1990. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)
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In 2015, the castle served as a setting for the filming of the movie Les Profs 2
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Almaric de Bigard, who was the first lord of Bigard, lived there around 1110. In 1422, Guillaume Rongman, lord of Bigard, was made captain of the city of Brussels by Philip the Good. Guillaume Estor was appointed baker of Brabant by letters patent of Charles the Bold, then became alderman of Brussels in 1475. Jean Estor and his mother were judged heretics (for Protestantism) and executed on January 6, 1548, their property confiscated and the Lordship of Bigard sold to Gaspard Schetz, Lord of Grobbendonck, on February 14, 1549, for 17,800 pounds. The lordship was erected into a marquisate under the name of Boisschot, when Helen of Boisschot, married Charles Ferdinand, Count of Königsegg-Rothenfels, interim regent of the Netherlands. Count Ferdinand of Boisschot in the middle of the 17th century had many works done, and had new buildings built. In 1902, the whole was very dilapidated and Raymond Pelgrims de Bigard took thirty years to rehabilitate it.
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This castle has been a ruin since the end of WWII. Work is now being done to prevent it from collapsing further.
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The restoration of the castle ruins has started.
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The Castle of Laeken is one of the royal residences in Belgium. It is located in Laeken, part of the city of Brussels since 1921, in the north of the Brussels region. It is surrounded by a 120-hectare park, which also contains the Royal Greenhouses.
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After the castle on the Borgtberg burned down during the Grimbergen War (1141-1159), the Lords of Grimbergen built a new residence at the place called "Boksem", about 600 m south of the village centre and the Norbertine abbey. This probably did not happen until the end of the 13th or in the 14th century, as no deeds were signed at the castle in Grimbergen in the 13th century. This castle was also demolished down to its foundations after a siege in 1488 by Maximilian of Austria and in 1489 by Duke Albert of Saxony. Reconstruction began at the end of the 15th century, possibly on the old foundations. The map book of the abbey (1699) and the copper engraving by Sanderus (1727) show a walled castle on the north side preceded by a walled farmyard. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any castles directly within Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode?
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode is primarily an urban municipality known for its 19th-century neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco architecture. Traditional fortified castles are not found within its immediate borders. Any significant medieval structures, like the "château des Deux-Tours," were largely demolished by the early 20th century.
Which castles near Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode are family-friendly?
For a family outing, consider visiting Meise Botanic Garden, which includes a castle and offers extensive grounds for exploration. De Viron Castle, now the town hall of Dilbeek, is also categorized as family-friendly and features impressive architecture with 12 towers and 365 windows.
What kind of historical sites can I visit near Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode?
Beyond traditional castles, the region offers various historical sites. You can explore the ruins of The Prinsen Castle, which was a residence of the Lords of Grimbergen from the 14th century. De Viron Castle, a Neo-Tudor style building from 1862, serves as a significant historical landmark now functioning as a town hall. Additionally, Meise Botanic Garden features a castle with a 12th-century tower within its historical grounds.
Are there green spaces or natural areas associated with castles near Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode?
Yes, several castles are set within beautiful natural surroundings. Meise Botanic Garden is a prime example, encompassing 92 hectares of diverse plant collections and a castle. The ruins of The Prinsen Castle are located within the Prinsenbos, offering a natural setting. Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is also known for its beautiful gardens.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The broader Brussels region offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, you can find numerous routes in guides like Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode or Cycling around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode. If you prefer mountain biking, explore trails in the MTB Trails around Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode guide, which includes routes near historical sites like La Hulpe castle.
Can I visit the Royal Palace of Laeken?
Laeken Castle is one of the royal residences in Belgium and is surrounded by a large 120-hectare park. While the castle itself is generally not open to the public as it serves as the primary residence for the Belgian royal family, the Royal Greenhouses within its park are occasionally open for public visits during specific periods, typically in spring.
How long should I plan for a visit to these castles?
The duration of your visit will vary. For extensive sites like Meise Botanic Garden, which spans 92 hectares and includes a castle, you could easily spend half a day or more, especially if you explore the greenhouses and gardens. Shorter visits might be sufficient for castle ruins like The Prinsen Castle, which focuses more on the historical structure and surrounding nature.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites in this region?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and nature. Many enjoy the extensive grounds and diverse plant collections at Meise Botanic Garden, especially its winter light installations. The architectural grandeur of places like De Viron Castle and the historical significance of ruins like The Prinsen Castle also draw considerable interest.
Are there any castles with notable gardens or floral displays?
Yes, Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is renowned for its beautiful gardens, which host events like Floralia Brussels. Meise Botanic Garden, with its 92 hectares, is also a botanical paradise featuring a castle, offering stunning floral displays and plant collections year-round, including rare plants and orchids in its greenhouses.
Can I find cafes or refreshments near these castles?
At Meise Botanic Garden, there is a self-service restaurant in the orangery where you can warm up and enjoy refreshments. For other locations, it's advisable to check their official websites or local listings for nearby cafes and dining options, especially in the towns where the castles are located, such as Dilbeek for De Viron Castle.
What is the best time of year to visit castles near Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode?
The best time depends on your preference. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring gardens and outdoor areas, such as those at Groot-Bijgaarden Castle and Meise Botanic Garden. In winter, the Botanic Garden offers a unique 'winter idyll' with magical light installations. Historical sites like The Prinsen Castle ruins can be visited year-round, offering different atmospheric experiences with each season.
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