Papenkasteel, Renaissance castle in Uccle, Belgium.
Papenkasteel is a castle in Uccle featuring Renaissance architecture with ornate details and classical proportions that date from its construction period. The structure includes a distinctive tower and surrounding gardens within a protected heritage zone in southern Brussels.
The castle was built between 1685 and 1688 by Brussels lawyer Philippe-Vincent Franckheim as a noble residence of that era. It represents the wealth and architectural ambition of prosperous citizens during the late 17th century in the region.
In the early 20th century, an artists' community made this castle their home, including violist Germain Prévost and French painter Abel Gerbaud. The building became a meeting place for creative people who worked and lived within its walls.
The castle sits in southwest Brussels and is easily reached via Rue Papenkasteel, where free parking spaces line the street without time restrictions. Visitors should note the location is in a quiet residential area best explored on foot.
A pond on the grounds once served as the final retention basin for water from mills that operated along the Geleytsbeek stream. This water system was key to the area's historical economy and industrial activity.
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