Bouchout Castle

Meise, Belgium

Bouchout Castle is located in the Flemish town of Meise. In the 12th century, this territory of the young Duchy of Brabant was strategically positioned between the County of Flanders and the Berthout family, lords of Grimbergen. Most likely, the first fortification was built by Wouter van Craaynem at the end of the Grimbergen Wars (1150–1170).

At about 1300, the Donjon tower of Bouchout Castle was erected by Daniel van Bouchout, a knight who fought gloriously at the Battle of Worringen. In the 15th and 16th century, Bouchout Castle was owned by the Van der Marck and Transylvan families. The castle fell into disrepair due to lack of maintenance, while the Spanish dominance and the iconoclastic fury further worsened its condition.

The first major renovation was performed by Christoffel d"Assonville at about 1600. The rectangular medieval Bouchout Castle was surrounded by a large pond and could only be reached by a long drawbridge. At the end of the 17th century, Peter-Ferdinand Roose transformed the castle into a Renaissance 'Chateau de Bouchout', surrounded with French ornamental gardens. Unfortunately, the castle was partly destroyed during the French Revolution period (1800–1830). Again, the castle was restored in 1832 by count Amadeus de Beauffort, who gave Bouchout Castle its current Neo-Gothic appearance.

From 1879 until 1927, Empress Charlotte of Mexico lived at the Bouchout Domain. Her husband Emperor Maximilian I was executed by Mexican republicans in 1867. Thereafter Charlotte lead a secluded life at Bouchout Castle. Since 1939, the Bouchout Domain has developed into the National Botanic Garden of Belgium. Since the last renovation of 1987–1989, the castle and its rooms are now being used for meetings, lectures and exhibitions.

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Address

Meise, Belgium
See all sites in Meise

Details

Founded: c. 1300
Category: Castles and fortifications in Belgium

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ward D'Hooghe (13 months ago)
Visiting Castle Bouchout in Meise is a serene and enchanting experience. The medieval castle, surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil water features, offers a peaceful escape into history. The picturesque setting and well preserved architecture make it a delightful destination for history buffs and nature lovers. The adjacent national botanic garden of Belgium further enhances the visit, providing a diverse and vibrant floral backdrop.
Jeroen van Dam (2 years ago)
Castle is nice, but the surrounding gardens are the real highlight.
Chuksum (2 years ago)
Small castle that is often used for expositions. The view at the top allows you to see various parts of the botanical garden
Juska (2 years ago)
The Boechout Castle is situated in the National Botanic Garden. To enter this garden you have to pay a fee of 12 euro. Boechout Castle, locally known as Kasteel Boechout or Bouchout, lies in the town of Meise, in the province of Flemish Brabant in the Flemish region in Belgium. It’s a superbe but romantic castle with a beautiful panorama and you can visit it inside
A lex (4 years ago)
Even in November a lovely place ? We will be back!
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