Mérode Castle, Everberg, Castle and noble residence in Everberg, Belgium

Mérode Castle is a U-shaped Louis XVI mansion in Everberg, built from 1773 to 1780 to plans by architect Philippe Jerome Sandrié de Morcourt for Marie Catherine Josephe van Merode. A white stone facade fronts the older buildings: four Ionic columns carry a terrace balustrade, and a triangular pediment with a round window crowns the projecting central bay. Two lower side wings and a mansard roof complete the composition.

Everberg was a seigneurie by the 12th century, and from the 14th century a moated castle called Hof van Montenaken stood in the marshes. Around 1500 it passed by marriage to the Rubempré family, who made it a Renaissance castle with stepped gables, turrets and a drawbridge. In 1704 Louise Brigitte de Rubempré married Philippe François de Merode, bringing the castle to the Merode family. In 1773 Marie Catherine de Merode had architect Philippe Jérôme Sandrié de Morcourt rebuild it in Louis XVI style; the first stone was laid on 13 August 1773 and work ran to 1780.

The name Everberg comes from the medieval lordship held by the Montenaken family, whose moated 'Hof van Montenaken' stood here from the 14th century. In 1704 Louise Brigitte de Rubempré married Philippe François de Merode, who took the Rubempré name and arms, founding the Merode-Rubempré branch. The castle then became their summer residence.

The castle opens to visitors only during special events and occasions, allowing access to its interior rooms. You should check in advance for scheduled openings to plan your visit.

Marie Catherine de Merode had the old farmyard demolished and replaced by two Louis XVI pavilions: the left held the chapel, stables and coach houses, the right the steward's residence. She also had the garden surveyed by land surveyor Goraing and mathematics professor Ghiesbreghts, who drew up the plan for its avenues and beds.