Colonster Castle, Protected heritage castle in Sart Tilman, Belgium

Colonster Castle stands on a rocky spur above the Ourthe valley at the edge of Liège. Its present look dates to the 18th-century rebuilding under Maximilien-Henri-Hyacinthe, Count of Horion, which turned the fortified castle into a pleasure residence. The photograph shows a tall round tower with an ivy-clad upper section and a dark conical roof beside a three-storey brick wing with a slate hipped roof and three dormer windows.

The castle is attested from the 14th century. Its present appearance results from 18th-century works by Maximilien-Henri-Hyacinthe, count of Horion, which turned the fortified castle into a pleasure residence; the decoration was by painter Paul-Joseph Delcloche. The University of Liège bought the castle in 1963, and a fire in 1966 destroyed much of it; architects Henri Lacoste and Jean Opdenberg led the restoration.

The castle's interior decoration was painted by Paul-Joseph Delcloche, and a portrait of Maximilien-Henri de Horion by Liège painter Edmond Plumier hangs inside. Since 2010 the château has hosted the Liege Creative forum, and in April 2013 a starred Liège chef opened his brasserie there.

The castle is located about 10 kilometers from Liege city center and can be easily reached via the E25 motorway. The area is hilly with rocky terrain, so wear sturdy shoes and be aware that access to certain areas may be restricted during events.

A 1966 fire destroyed much of the castle; architects Henri Lacoste and Jean Opdenberg then restored it and adapted the rooms for receptions and meetings. Inside hangs a portrait of Maximilien-Henri de Horion by the Liège painter Edmond Plumier.