Castle ‘de Merode’ at Westerlo (Belgium)

It’s a pity that I can only show you the rear side of this castle, but it’s the only possible view on the edifice which is still completely in private hands of the ‘de Merode’-family, one of the richest noble families of Belgium for centuries.

During the Roman Empire, there was already a watchtower on this spot.
Around 1066 the first castle was constructed.
In the 14th, 16th, 18th and 19th century, the castle was adapted, extended and restorated several times.

Now the castle is a fine example of early Flemish Renaissance style.[fc-fotohome:404664]