CASTLES AARSCHOT

Kasteel van Rivieren is an eclectic castle set within an expansive 11-hectare estate in Aarschot, Flemish Brabant, Belgium. First mentioned in 1197 as the seat of the Lordship of Rivieren, the original medieval structure was demolished in 1866 and replaced with an eclectic-style manor in 1890, featuring 38 rooms. The castle underwent extensive renovations around 1886 under Oscar van den Eynde, incorporating an 1880s landscape design within the surrounding parkland. The grounds contain the foundations of the original medieval keep. In recent years, the estate has been acquired by new ownership committed to restoration efforts, allowing visitors to appreciate the castle's architectural heritage and picturesque landscape setting.

Kasteel van Schoonhoven stands as a classical Louis XVI-style castle in Aarschot, built around 1770 and completed in 1777 on the grounds of an earlier medieval fortress. The U-shaped design, constructed by Jean-Antoine van der Noot, showcases refined 18th-century architectural proportions. After centuries of occupation by noble families, the castle fell into disrepair during the 20th century but was restored over ten years beginning in 1998. Today it remains an important architectural landmark and is accessible during special events that highlight its elegant historical interiors and landscaped grounds.