Poilvache Castle

Yvoir, Belgium

Poilvache Castle is a ruined medieval castle in the Walloon municipality of Yvoir, overlooking the village of Houx from a clifftop on the river Meuse.

The present ruins date from the 15th century, although there has been a fortification on the site since the time of Charlemagne. The Liégeois town of Poilvache, a thriving walled town, protected by a castle, with a prosperous economy and its own mint, and allied to Duke Philippe the Good, virtually ceased to exist following its 1430 siege by the rebellious Prince-Bishop of Liège, Jean de Heynsbergh, and an estimated army of 30,000 Liégeois, Dinantais and Hutois. The Dinantais besiege Montaigle Castle in 1465 for the same reasons but Montaigle was destroyed in the 16th century by the army of Henri II of France.

From the top of these rocks it is possible to see the isle in the river where the German army and its armoured divisions crossed (in the North of the isle), the river Meuse on 13 May 1940.

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Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Belgium

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Irina Ilie (3 years ago)
It is impossible to see the ruin,
ELEC CHRIS (4 years ago)
Ok
Abir Kazan (4 years ago)
The view from up there is amazing. However, you might be lost in wilderness before you reach the castle. To make things easier, there is a shortcut way on the highway just after the bridge try following it to save time.
Jeroen B (5 years ago)
Little remains of the castle ruins, apart from some foundations, smaller towers and 1 big wall of the main building. Together with the fortified walls surrounding the medieval settlement you will still get a good impression of how life must have been here 700 years ago. Information signs provide an explanation of the different parts of Poilvache and tell its history. Although you can ride up the hill and park your car close to the castle, it’s recommended to park in Houx and hike up through the woods, the hike is not too long and you can enjoy the beautiful wood along an enchanting trail.
marcel timmer (6 years ago)
Nice place! Pity they aren't spending more effort to preserve the buildings. The small hike outside the walls is nice on the way down (forrest path) to the village, but boring the way up (straight road).
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