Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is a 12th-century fortress in Dilbeek that evolved from a medieval stronghold protecting trade routes between Brussels and Ghent into a Renaissance residence befitting the Counts of Egmont. By 1902, extensive restoration began under Raymond Pelgrims Bigard, lasting thirty years and reviving the castle's former grandeur. Today, the moated castle and its magnificent park serve as the spectacular setting for Floralia Brussels, an international spring flower festival celebrated with over one million bulbs planted annually. The exhibition has earned the World Tulip Award and transforms the castle grounds into a sensory experience of floral carpets, curated flowerbeds, and vibrant gardens.
