Château Boël

La Louvière, Belgium, Belgium

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Château Boël is a large 19th‑century château set within an extensive landscaped park in the centre of La Louvière, in the province of Hainaut, Wallonia, Belgium.

It was commissioned in about 1880 by the prominent industrialist Gustave Boël, who founded and expanded the steel and metalworking factories that were the economic backbone of La Louvière, and the building was designed by architect Mahieu in an eclectic style that mixes historical references while remaining unified by the use of brick with blue stone bands and decorative elements.

The château is surrounded by a park of roughly 20 to 30 hectares, originally created as a private estate garden with trees, paths and green spaces, and it stands close to the historic Canal du Centre and the old factory grounds, which makes it a key symbol of the city’s industrial prosperity and working-class heritage.

For many years the estate remained closed to the public under the ownership of the industrial group Duferco (now linked to NLMK), and although the château was partially renovated and used for receptions and hospitality, the park was largely inaccessible to residents, leading to local debates and campaigns for its opening.