Couwelaar Castle, castle in Antwerp, Belgium
Couwelaar Castle is a castle in the Deurne district of Antwerp, Belgium, standing on Lakborslei street. The structure has an L-shaped floor plan with a main building and side wings, along with outbuildings such as a coach house, featuring two round towers at the front and a square tower at the back, blending Neo-Renaissance and Rococo architectural elements.
The castle dates to the early 15th century, originally surrounded by a water-filled ditch that served as a small fortress. In the 16th century, towers were added for larger proportions, while in the 18th century it was rebuilt in classical style by an alderman named Pedro de Man, who removed four damaged towers.
Locals know this castle as De Drie Torekens, meaning The Three Turrets, a name reflecting its distinctive round towers at the front. This familiar name shows how the building's most recognizable features have shaped how people in the area think of and remember the place.
The location is quiet and set back from busy city streets, making it ideal for a relaxed visit. The grounds are accessible on foot and the old walls and towers are clearly visible from outside, though the interior is now divided into private apartments for residents.
In 1848, the owners created a separate garden designed in Italian Neo-Renaissance style, adding a romantic dimension to the estate that many visitors overlook. This thoughtful landscape design reflects the ambitions of wealthy owners who wanted their grounds to match the castle's refined appearance.
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