Walzin Castle

Castles and palaces

Castle on a rock more than 50 metres high above a bend of the River Lesse near Dinant – privately owned and only visible from outside.

Interesting facts

The only southern approach to Dinant once ran across the ford at Walzin.
The castle is privately owned and cannot be visited.

Why visit

Striking setting on the rock above the Lesse
View of the castle from the river

Walzin Castle stands on a rock more than 50 metres high above a bend of the River Lesse, in the hamlet of the same name, now part of Dinant. Construction began in the 13th century; it is believed to have been commissioned either by Prince-Bishop Théoduin of Liège or by Conon de Montaigu, Count of Rochefort.

The castle was one of the largest in Belgium and served as a forward lookout and defence post for Dinant, because the only southern approach to the town ran across the ford at Walzin. The French army partly destroyed it in 1554, after which it fell into decay. From 1850 it was rebuilt in the fashionable style of the period, and between 1930 and 1932 it was given its present appearance.

The castle is privately owned and cannot be visited; it can be seen from the Lesse.

History

Construction began in the 13th century; 1237 treaty concerning Walzin between the Prince-Bishop of Liège and Duke Henry IV of Limburg; partly destroyed by the French army in 1554; rebuilt from 1850; remodelled into its present form 1930–1932.

Special features

Castle on a rock more than 50 metres high above a bend of the Lesse. Formerly a lookout post on the only southern approach to Dinant.

Map

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