Château de Raeren, Medieval castle and pottery museum in Raeren, Belgium

Château de Raeren is a water castle with a nearly square residential tower from the mid-14th century, built of bluestone. Philipp von Lomont expanded it from 1583 into a rectangular complex of wings around a central courtyard, adding defensive walls and two corner towers. The entrance portal still bears the coats of arms of Peter Joseph de Nys and his wife.

The castle was founded in the 14th century as a fief under the Marienstift of Aachen. A major expansion occurred in 1583 when Philipp de Lomont rebuilt and extended much of the structure.

The collection displays regional stoneware made over centuries, showing how pottery traditions were passed down through local workshops. Visitors can see the distinctive techniques and decorative patterns that made Raeren ceramics recognized across Europe.

The grounds are easy to navigate on foot, allowing visitors to explore both the outer fortifications and interior rooms. Exhibitions about ceramics and architecture are spread across multiple levels, so comfortable shoes and a few hours are recommended.

The castle's old name, "zen Roideren", comes from Johann van den Roideren, recorded as owner in 1426. Excavations in 1968 and 1969 found an iron-ore smelting hut on the site from around 1300, before the residential tower was built. The entrance portal still carries the coats of arms of Peter Joseph de Nys and his wife of the von der Gracht family.