Top 20 Castles around Marchin

At the end of 2025, the urban planning permit for the renovation of the castle and its outbuildings was granted. It will be a large-scale restoration project – the complete renovation of the main castle and the improvement of the facades and roofs – aiming to breathe new life into this 17th-century gem, classified as exceptional heritage of Wallonia. The project includes the operation of the castle as a large guest house, combining historical preservation with public access. During my visit in July 2026, it was clearly visible that the works had started: there were construction containers along the driveway, where there was quite a bit of activity. source: haltinne.be

The domain of the Haltinne castle covers 279.98 ha of agricultural land, forests and meadows. The 'Struviaux' stream and several springs supply water to four ponds and the castle's moat. From an architectural point of view, the Haltinne castle is an exceptional heritage. Its appearance today is the same as when it was built in the mid-1600s. The imposing towers, loopholes and moat are reminiscent of a military function, but this is indeed a castle farm. Not only the facades, roofs and moat, but also the castle's monumental staircase are protected as exceptional heritage of Wallonia. This stone staircase has steps two meters wide, with a wide handrail also in stone. The massive character of this staircase contrasts with the statuettes representing the allegories of the four seasons. The wrought iron gate originally intended for King Leopold II and the 'Ciergnon' castle, the false windows in the east tower and the barn with a straw roof consisting of round limestone pillars are some other points of interest of the castle, which is however not publicly accessible. source: haltinne.be

Excavations are conducted year-round at Moha Castle, making it unique in Belgium. When I visited, two archaeologists were uncovering a wall that runs beneath the visible castle and likely dates back to the 12th century.

The castle is free to visit. At the foot of the rock, there's a visitor center where you can pick up a badge to open the gate. For €4, you can also get a brochure with information about the most important points. The castle is only open to visitors starting in April, but the friendly man at the visitor center let me in on February 27th... as far as you can even call it "inside" at this ruin ;-)

The exact origins of the medieval County of Moha remain unknown. It is likely that the county was formed during the fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire and the Hesbaye region at the end of the 9th century. The first known count, Albert of Moha, is mentioned in a document dated 1026 or 1028. The first defensive stone walls also date from the first half of the 11th century. Having no male heir, Albert of Moha married his daughter to Henry I of Dasbourg around 1050, thus linking the county's destiny to that of this powerful family of Alsatian origin. Initially, it is highly unlikely that the Counts of Dasbourg regularly resided in Moha, entrusting the county's administration to trusted men and a small garrison. However, the situation changed with Hugh II (1130-1180) and his son Albert II (d. 1212), who decided to become more involved in the region's politics. Albert II, in particular, chose to align his interests with those of his nephew, Duke Henry I of Brabant, whose policies he would follow until the end of the 12th century. In 1204, Count Albert III, having lost hope of having a son, chose the Prince-Bishop of Liège as his heir. But the late birth of his daughter Gertrude would jeopardize these agreements. Quickly betrothed to Thibaut of Lorraine, who died in 1219, she then married Thibaut of Champagne, who repudiated her, and subsequently Simon of Linange. At 19, she died childless. On March 19, 1225, the Prince-Bishop of Liège, Hugues de Pierrepont, took possession of Moha. Under the Prince-Bishops, Moha became a prison for political prisoners and a fortification tasked with controlling the city of Huy and blockading merchants. This policy was deeply unpopular and led to reprisals: the people of Huy besieged Moha in 1255. The fortress of Moha was considered impregnable. It was therefore through trickery that the people of Huy, taking advantage of a request for a truce, seized the castle on May 6, 1376. After the attack on the castle, the site's history is largely unknown. Mass is still celebrated twice a year in the castle chapel. During the 18th century, the ruins served as a refuge for a hermit. The castle's stones were gradually plundered, notably to build the surrounding houses. In 1889, the ruins of the castle were purchased by the Belgian state. Source: https://chateaumoha.be/histoire

The "Rocher du Château de Moha" is a limestone outcrop rising from the Mehaigne valley. It was a strategically important site in the Middle Ages, when more castles were built on rocks. This made the site difficult to besiege, and it was well-placed as a control point over the valley. The rock is very recognizable in the landscape. The ruins on the rock are still clearly visible, and the medieval structures are still easily recognizable.

The Château de Moha is a medieval feudal castle in Wanze, built on a rock at the confluence of the Mehaigne and Fosseroule rivers. Dating back to the 7th century, the castle served as a defense for the region. It became the property of the Prince-Bishops of Liège, who used it as a fortress and prison. In 1376, the castle was captured by the inhabitants of Huy through deception, marking the end of its military function. The castle subsequently fell into disrepair, but the ruins have been preserved and are open to the public.

In the 12th century there was already a castle here. An old keep with walls one meter thick is still a witness, but what it looked like is unknown. Later, various renovations and adjustments to its time took place