Croy Castle, Medieval castle in Aarle-Rixtel, Netherlands.
Croy Castle is a medieval castle in Aarle-Rixtel featuring a round tower at its northwest corner and displaying architectural elements from both the 15th and 18th centuries. The building combines features from different construction phases, showing how fortifications evolved over time.
Jacob van Croÿ, a Burgundian nobleman, acquired the castle in 1477 from Rutger van Erp, who owned a smaller fortified house. The expansion into a larger stronghold reflected the family's growing power during a period of shifting regional control.
The Van der Brugghen family bred Spanish sheep at the castle, crossing them with local heath sheep to improve regional livestock quality.
The castle is currently undergoing extensive renovation work, so visitors should check accessibility before planning a visit. The grounds are walkable and offer views of the surrounding landscape.
The estate spreads across about 250 hectares in the Goorloop river valley, connecting the Strabrechtse Heide to the Aa river landscape. This expansive natural setting makes the castle an anchor point in a diverse region of wetlands and heathland.
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