Corroy Castle

A key Walloon asset, Corroy castle is a unique and outstanding example of a late 13th century fortress. It is remarkably well preserved thanks to being continually occupied and because at the outset (towards 1270), it was the most important building of this kind in the former duchy of Brabant. Its surface area is almost twice that of the two state castles belonging to earl Florent V of Holland : Muiden and Medemblick. Built along the design of the Louvre by Philip Auguste, it has four junction towers, a large chapel jutting out over the East rampart and a main entrance comprising two towers (turrets) as well as a technical service complex completing the 1250 keep. Apart from this building (destroyed between 1718 and 1743) and the South rampart, all the fortress components are still there. A barbican was added in the 15th century (restored in 1718) as well as dwellings in the inner courtyard, during the campaign to modernise this rather elemental early 18 century complex. Completely refurbished from the 18th to the 20th century, the interior features outstanding listed decorations, such an 1848 marble dining room, a huge neo-gothic hall and drawing room with paintings dating from the 1770s. The castle stands on an artificial motte in the middle of a 12 hectares listed park.