Cantecroy Castle, Brick castle in Mortsel, Belgium

Cantecroy Castle is a red-brick castle complex in Mortsel, Belgium, with connected wings under steep dark slate roofs. A tall square tower with a conical roof and lantern stands on the left; a two-storey round-arched arcade links the wings, and a round brick turret with a conical roof stands beside a gabled chapel-like block with tall, narrow windows. The oldest parts date to the 13th and 14th centuries, and the facade was rebuilt in Flemish Renaissance style around the end of the 17th century.

The core of the structure dates to the 13th century and was expanded over several centuries through to the 17th century. During the Spanish rule over the southern Netherlands, the castle served as a residence for high-ranking administrators.

The name Cantecroy is a corruption of Cantincrode and has no link to the House of Croÿ. The castle grounds include a 15th-century chapel, a Gothic farm and a pillory from the local court. Today the castle houses luxury service flats, a public foyer, meeting rooms, a wellness centre and a grand café.

Parts of the property are privately occupied, so access is not open to the general public at all times. Those wishing to visit the dining or event spaces are advised to contact the venue in advance, as access depends on what is happening on site.

Albert Einstein stayed at Cantecroy in 1933, shortly after leaving Nazi Germany and before departing for the United States. His stay lasted only a few weeks, yet it links these old walls to one of the most talked-about scientific figures of the 20th century.