Belgium Sterckshof Castle
As early as the 13th century there was a farmstead "Hooftvunder", a fortified farmstead surrounded by a moat, on the site of the present castle. This farmhouse developed into a fortified country estate that repeatedly changed hands. In 1524, Gerard Sterck, merchant, banker and secret adviser to Emperor Charles V, bought the estate and converted it into a Renaissance-style castle, then called the Sterckshof castle.
Unlike other castles in Antwerp, the Sterckshof was not destroyed during the wars of the 16th and 17th centuries, but it was neglected after an argument between heirs in the 17th century. From 1693 the Sterckshof was owned by the Jesuits of Lier, but the castle was closed down by the Austrian War of Succession (1740-1748). After the dissolution of the Jesuit order, the castle was publicly sold in 1778 to the banker Jan Baptist Cogels, who merged it with his estate Ter Rivieren. In 1921, the Province of Antwerp bought the estate.
Unlike other castles in Antwerp, the Sterckshof was not destroyed during the wars of the 16th and 17th centuries, but it was neglected after an argument between heirs in the 17th century. From 1693 the Sterckshof was owned by the Jesuits of Lier, but the castle was closed down by the Austrian War of Succession (1740-1748). After the dissolution of the Jesuit order, the castle was publicly sold in 1778 to the banker Jan Baptist Cogels, who merged it with his estate Ter Rivieren. In 1921, the Province of Antwerp bought the estate.
Photography Tips
The castle is situated on the edge of one of Antwerp's largest parks.
Travel Information
Just a few minutes drive from the E313 and the E19.
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