Harzé Castle, Castle in Aywaille, Belgium.
Harzé Castle is a stone fortress in Aywaille featuring two towers flanking the entrance and a central courtyard displaying Mosan Renaissance architectural details. The building shows characteristic triple-casement windows and was designed as both a castle residence and administrative center.
The castle was built in 1632 and served as headquarters for the United States Army XVIII Airborne Corps starting in October 1944 during World War II. This military occupation by American forces left a brief but notable mark on the property's wartime history.
The Museum of Milling and Baking inside displays regional grain processing techniques through exhibits and demonstrations. Visitors can see how these traditional crafts shaped local baking practices that remain important to the area today.
Today the property functions as a hotel, restaurant, and conference center with facilities for weddings, business meetings, and various events. Visitors should be aware that rooms are often reserved for private functions, which may affect access to certain areas.
A national cheese fair takes place annually at the castle, bringing together producers and enthusiasts of Belgian dairy products. This event shows how the historic property plays a role in the region's modern food culture.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
