Top 20 Castles around Blegny
Best castles around Blegny are found in a region known for its historical significance and varied landscapes. The municipality of Blegny, while recognized for the Blegny-Mine UNESCO site, also features several historical castles that offer insights into the area's past. These structures range from ancient estates to protected heritage sites, reflecting centuries of architectural evolution. The surrounding terrain provides opportunities for exploration, connecting historical landmarks with natural features.
Best castles around Blegny
- The most popular castles is Commandery of Sint-Pieters-Voeren, a castle that was a former commandery of the Teutonic Order. The current building was constructed in the 17th century in the Maasland Renaissance style, and its park contains the source of the Voer river, feeding the ponds of Belgium's oldest fish farm.
- Another must-see spot is Eijsden Castle, a moated manor house built in 1636 in the Mosan-Renaissance style. The castle is privately owned, but its bailey and gardens are accessible to the public, offering a setting for exploration.
- Visitors also love Mheer Castle, a castle from the 14th century. The complex features a four-winged castle and a U-shaped outer bailey, showcasing a mix of marlstone and brick.
- Blegny is known for its historical castles, including ancient strongholds, protected heritage sites, and privately owned estates. These structures offer a glimpse into the region's past, from medieval origins to 17th-century architectural styles.
- The castles around Blegny are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 600 upvotes and nearly 300 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Commandery of Sint-Pieters-Voeren
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The place is known for its coming. Daniel de Fouron donated the castle and the surrounding land to the order commander of Alden Biesen Castle when he joined the Teutonic Order on June 25, 1242.
From this point on, Sint-Pieters-Voeren was a direct fiefdom of the empire. The Grand Master exercised jurisdiction. He appointed mayors, lay judges, judicial officers, bailiffs and issued police ordinances and municipal law.
Until the French Revolution, the castle belonged to the order of knights. At the beginning of the 17th century, the current building was built in the Maasland Renaissance style.
In the park of the castle is the source of the Voer, which feeds the ponds of the oldest fish farm in Belgium and the Voer with water (approx. 4,000 liters / minute). Trout and sturgeon are hand-raised in the ponds, just as they were more than a century ago. Fish farm products can be enjoyed directly at the castle pond.
Opposite the coming one is the church of Sint-Pieters-Voeren. The small village church of Sint-Pieters-Stoelkerk was built around 1660 on behalf of commander Willem Quaedt van Beek. His tombstone is right at the entrance to the walled cemetery that surrounds the church.
Outside the village, in the direction of Sint-Martens-Voeren, stands the Sint-Annakapel (St. Anna Chapel), built around 1730 and listed as a historical monument.
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Mheer Castle
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Clermont-sur-Berwinne Village Center
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The entire town center is worth seeing, but especially the church from 1695 dedicated to Saint James the Elder, the former town hall from 1888 spanning the street, where civil weddings are now often held, and the "Place des Halles". All that remains of the former castle of the Lords of Clermont is a wall with an archway. A few kilometers outside the town is the manor house "Château Crawhez", which has remained almost unchanged since it was built in 1551.
Until the dissolution of the Duchy of Limburg, Clermont belonged to the Herve high bank, one of five Limburg administrative and judicial districts. Like the rest of the duchy, Clermont was annexed by France in 1795 and incorporated into the Ourthe department that was formed at the time.
Source: Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clermont-sur-Berwinne&oldid=175019850
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Eijsden Castle
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Majestic beech avenue at Eijsden Castle
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As such, the castle was built or completed in 1636, five years after the marriage of Arnold de la Margelle to Margaretha Anna Francisca van Bocholtz. This event is commemorated by a facade stone above the gate on the south side of the south facade, where the front of the castle is located. In archive documents from 1633 present at the castle, there is mention of an architect Servais Charles, who may have been the builder of the castle. Traces of construction in the foundation in the form of a fire layer approx. 2.75 meters below the castle square give rise to the suspicion that the castle was built on the site of an older building.
Source and full description via Monumenten.nl at monumenten.nl/monument/421723
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Tips from the Community
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.
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Beautiful historic location, worth a stop.
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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.
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Basement and moated main building in Maasland Renaissance style, consisting of a rectangular west and south wing, which enclose a square, partly paved castle square in a hook shape. The castle is built in red brick interrupted by marlstone bands and rests with the castle square on a substructure of brick and bluestone blocks. As such, the castle was built or completed in 1636, five years after the marriage of Arnold de la Margelle to Margaretha Anna Francisca van Bocholtz. This event is commemorated by a facade stone above the gate on the south side of the south facade, where the front of the castle is located. In archive documents from 1633 present at the castle, there is mention of an architect Servais Charles, who may have been the builder of the castle. Traces of construction in the foundation in the form of a fire layer approx. 2.75 meters below the castle square give rise to the suspicion that the castle was built on the site of an older building. Source and full description via Monumenten.nl at https://www.monumenten.nl/monument/421723
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Tip: if you keep walking straight ahead from the main entrance you will reach the Maas. Look left and you will see a small path. Walk a few meters on it and see how the Voer flows into the Maas here. A beautiful view of a surprisingly peaceful spot on the beautiful grounds of the castle where you also walk a beautiful piece of wild garlic path.
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magnificent beech forest in a tunnel of greenery, splendid, to see under a ray of sunshine and to recommend to lovers and romantics!
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Basement and moated main building in Maasland Renaissance style, consisting of a rectangular west and south wing, which enclose a square, partly paved castle square in a hook shape. The castle is built in red brick interrupted by marlstone bands and rests with the castle square on a substructure of brick and bluestone blocks. As such, the castle was built or completed in 1636, five years after the marriage of Arnold de la Margelle to Margaretha Anna Francisca van Bocholtz. This event is commemorated by a facade stone above the gate on the south side of the south facade, where the front of the castle is located. In archive documents from 1633 present at the castle, there is mention of an architect Servais Charles, who may have been the builder of the castle. Traces of construction in the foundation in the form of a fire layer approx. 2.75 meters below the castle square give rise to the suspicion that the castle was built on the site of an older building. Source and full description via Monumenten.nl at https://www.monumenten.nl/monument/421723
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Beautiful area for walking with all the routes available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Blegny?
The Blegny region offers a diverse range of historical castles, from ancient estates like Château Cortils, which now functions as unique group accommodation, to the dramatic ruins of Castle Saive. You can also find well-preserved manor houses such as Eijsden Castle with accessible gardens, and the historic Commandery of Sint-Pieters-Voeren, a former Teutonic Order site.
Are there any castles in Blegny that offer unique experiences like overnight stays?
Yes, Château Cortils in Mortier, Blegny, offers a unique experience as group accommodation. While not a typical public tourist attraction, it provides nine holiday gîtes within a historical estate dating back to 941 AD, allowing guests to stay in a setting steeped in history and nature.
Can I visit the ruins of Castle Saive in Blegny?
The impressive ruins of Castle Saive, including its prominent 12th-century keep, are located within Blegny. However, they are on private property and not accessible for public visits. You can still view the substantial historical landmark from the village.
Which castles near Blegny have publicly accessible grounds or gardens?
You can enjoy the grounds and gardens of several castles. Eijsden Castle in the Netherlands, a short distance from Blegny, has its bailey and gardens freely accessible to the public. Similarly, the grounds of Mheer Castle, also in the Netherlands, are often accessible for walks, allowing you to admire its exterior and tranquil surroundings.
Are there family-friendly activities or areas at the castles around Blegny?
Many of the castles and their surroundings offer family-friendly environments. The accessible gardens of Eijsden Castle and Mheer Castle are great for leisurely walks. The Commandery of Sint-Pieters-Voeren features a park with trout ponds, which can be an interesting sight for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in the Blegny region?
The region around Blegny offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate routes like the 'Dalhem Tunnel loop' or 'View of Val-Dieu Abbey loop'. For cyclists, there are cycling routes and gravel biking routes that pass by historical sites and natural features, such as the 'Eijsden Castle – Blegny Mine loop'.
Are there any dog-friendly walking trails near the castles?
Yes, the natural surroundings of many castles are suitable for dog walks. The extensive estate of Château Cortils includes 15 hectares of forest and pastures. The grounds of Eijsden Castle and Mheer Castle also provide pleasant outdoor spaces for walks with your dog.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Blegny?
The Blegny region is enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for exploring castles and their surrounding landscapes. The weather is generally mild, and the natural scenery is vibrant, making it ideal for walking and cycling. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer.
Where can I find parking when visiting castles in the Blegny area?
Parking availability varies by location. For castles with public access like Eijsden Castle and Mheer Castle, there are often designated parking areas nearby for visitors accessing the grounds. For sites like Château Cortils, parking is typically available for guests staying at the accommodation. For other sites, it's advisable to check local signage in nearby villages.
What natural features can I expect to see near the castles?
The castles around Blegny are often nestled within beautiful natural settings. For instance, the estate of Château Cortils boasts 76 hectares of land, including forests and pastures with diverse flora and fauna. The park of the Commandery of Sint-Pieters-Voeren contains the source of the Voer river, feeding ponds that are part of Belgium's oldest fish farm. Many castles are also situated near river valleys or on hills, offering scenic views.
Are there any protected heritage sites among the castles in Blegny?
Yes, Castle Méan in Blegny is recognized as a protected heritage site. Its facades, roofs, and a ballroom on the second floor are specifically highlighted for their architectural and cultural value within the region.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and their surroundings in Blegny?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and tranquil beauty of the castles. Many enjoy the opportunity to explore the accessible grounds and gardens, like those at Eijsden Castle, and to take in the scenic views. The blend of historical architecture with natural landscapes, often featuring rivers and forests, is a major draw for those seeking both cultural insight and outdoor recreation.
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