Croy Castle, Medieval castle in Aarle-Rixtel, Netherlands.
Croy Castle is a medieval castle in Aarle-Rixtel, in the municipality of Laarbeek, with a round tower at its northwest corner and building elements from both the 15th and 18th centuries. The structure clearly shows how it was expanded and altered across several construction phases.
Jacob van Croÿ acquired the castle in 1477 from Rutger van Erp, who had previously owned a smaller fortified house on the site. Under the new owners, the property was expanded into a larger stronghold, reflecting the family's growing influence in the region.
The name of the castle traces back to Jacob van Croÿ, a Burgundian nobleman who owned it in the late 15th century. On the estate, the Van der Brugghen family later bred Spanish sheep, crossing them with local heath sheep to improve regional livestock.
The castle is currently under renovation, so it is worth checking accessibility before planning a visit. The grounds sit in the Goorloop river valley and are easy to explore on foot, with views over the surrounding heathland and wetland area.
The castle is listed as a Rijksmonument, meaning it is protected under Dutch national heritage law and any renovation work must follow strict guidelines. The round tower at the northwest corner is considered one of the oldest surviving parts of the whole structure.
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