Kasteel van Horst, Renaissance castle in Sint-Pieters-Rode, Belgium.
Kasteel van Horst is a Renaissance castle built on medieval foundations with stepped gables and cruciform windows made of traditional Brabantine brick and sandstone. The structure sits on the edge of a lake and reflects architectural elements from different periods.
The castle's first written mention dates to 1263, when an early resident named Jan van Thunen adopted the name Jan van Horst to establish his connection to the property. This name change marked the beginning of the family's long association with the castle.
The Ovid Hall displays six ceiling paintings from Ovid's Metamorphoses created by artist Jan-Christian Hansche, reflecting the wealth and refined tastes of past residents. These artworks show what the inhabitants valued and enjoyed.
Reaching the castle requires taking a train from Brussels or Leuven to Aarschot, then boarding bus number 10 to the location. Check opening hours ahead of time and prepare for a longer journey to get there.
The castle has remained largely unchanged since 1658 and is one of the few Belgian castles without significant eighteenth or nineteenth-century renovations or rebuilding. This continuity makes it a rare example of architectural stability across centuries.
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