CASTLES OOSTMALLE

Kasteel de Renesse, also known as Kasteel Oostmalle, stands in Oostmalle, Belgium, with origins traceable to 1431–1464 when Willem van Berchem constructed the initial fortress. Following its destruction by Maarten van Rossum in 1542, Jan van Renesse rebuilt the castle and adjacent structures, hosting notable visitors including Emperor Charles V and Margaret of Parma. After occupation during both World Wars and partial destruction from a 1941 British bombardment, the castle was acquired by the municipality after the 1977 Oostmalle-Westmalle union. The 60-hectare estate features a 16th-century castle, scenic pond, historic ice cellar, and restaurant Het Koetshuis. Cultural access is available free every Sunday from 1 to 6 PM, with guided tours at 3 PM.

Kasteel van Westmalle in Malle, Belgium, evolved from a large fortified farm documented around 1100, the Mansus de Trisco, representing Brabantine ducal authority until 1449. Following its sale to Antwerp councilman Henri van der Moelen, the castle was reconstructed in its present form by Evrard de Cottereau in 1561. Subsequent owners including a diamond merchant and Baron E. de Turck conducted major restorations between 1847 and 1878, shaping its current appearance. In January 2024, the municipal council approved the purchase of Westmalle Castle by the Stichting Kempens Landschap heritage foundation for restoration. While the castle itself awaits renovation, the surrounding castle park remains freely accessible to the public year-round.