Kasteel hertogen van Brabant, Medieval castle in Turnhout, Belgium
Kasteel hertogen van Brabant is a medieval castle in Turnhout, Belgium, with thick stone walls, defensive towers, and a moat encircling the structure. The building now functions as a working courthouse while keeping much of its original exterior intact.
The castle was built in the 13th century as a country residence for the Dukes of Brabant and later served as a base for Maria of Hungary in the 16th century. In 1796 it became a courthouse, a role it has kept ever since.
The wall paintings by Karel Boom inside the main courtroom show scenes from the time when Maria of Hungary held court here. These works are still visible today and give a direct sense of how the building was used by those in power.
The building is an active courthouse, so visitor access is limited and usually only possible during organized tours. Group visits can be arranged through the local tourism office in Turnhout.
A bronze statue of a water nymph was placed in the moat in 1991, drawing on a figure from Greek mythology. The sculpture sits in clear contrast to the stern walls of the courthouse around it.
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