Groot-Bijgaarden Castle

Dilbeek, Belgium, Belgium

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Groot-Bijgaarden Castle (Dutch: Kasteel van Groot-Bijgaarden; French: Château de Grand-Bigard) is a historic castle in the village of Groot-Bijgaarden, part of the municipality of Dilbeek in Flemish Brabant, Belgium, just outside Brussels.

Its origins date back to the early 12th century, when the domain was granted to the Lords of Bijgaarden, with the first known lord, Amelricus (Almaric de Bigard), mentioned in 1110, and a fortified motte or early stronghold was likely built to protect the surrounding lands. Over the centuries the estate passed through several noble families, and in the 14th century the central part of the gatehouse and a 30-metre-high four-storey tower were added, giving the castle clear medieval defensive features.

In the 17th century, under Ferdinand of Booischot, the castle was transformed into an elegant residence in Flemish Renaissance style, with red-brick walls, slate roofs, and white stone window dressings, while retaining the medieval donjon and gatehouse.