Fagnolle Castle, Medieval castle in Philippeville, Belgium

Fagnolle Castle is a ruined fortress near Philippeville with a square layout reinforced by round towers at each corner. The limestone structure still shows the fundamental defensive design of medieval fortification techniques.

Construction began in the 12th century as a defensive stronghold in the Fagne region. The fortress was partially destroyed in 1555 during military campaigns under William of Orange.

The castle was the seat of government of the small independent Barony, later County, of Fagnolle, a free territory on the edge of the Principality of Liège. The first recorded lord, Hugues I of Rumigny, appears in 1249, and the domain passed to the houses of Rumigny-Florennes, Enghien and in 1441 to the Barbençon family.

The site is currently maintained by the Fondation Roi Baudouin and remains closed to visitors during restoration work. Check locally for any updates before planning a visit to this location.

The castle stands on a motte raised at the end of the 12th century, one of the few lowland fortresses in Wallonia, built to guard the Oise gap on free land at the edge of the Principality of Liège. Its square plan measures about 35 m per side, and the south tower, the best preserved, still has four levels.