Jehay Castle, Protected heritage castle in Jehay, Belgium
Jehay Castle is a protected château in Wallonia distinguished by a striking checkerboard pattern on its exterior walls and four corner towers surrounded by a moat. The structure displays the classic architecture of a fortified noble residence with expansive gardens extending around the main complex.
The castle's origins trace back to ancient times, with Celtic and Roman settlements marking the early phases of the site. The current structure was built in the 16th century and has shaped the landscape since then.
The gardens display bronze sculptures created by Count Guy van den Steen, the final private owner before the property passed to Liege province. These works continue to shape the grounds today and reflect the artistic interests of its former inhabitants.
The castle is located in the Walloon region and open to visitors from March through October with guided tours available. Planning ahead is advisable since opening times are seasonally limited, and guided tours are the best way to discover the history and details of the complex.
The castle contains a 19th-century ice house that stored natural ice cut during winter, a remarkable example of historical preservation methods. This rare structure shows how noble families kept food fresh before modern refrigeration existed.
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