Villa royale Marie-Henriette, Royal villa in Spa, Belgium
The Villa Royale Marie-Henriette is a royal residence in Spa that features three distinct building sections arranged around its grounds. The main structure houses exhibition spaces in its central wing, while the former stables have been converted to display collections related to the town's heritage and history.
The villa was built in 1863 for royal use and became the residence of Queen Marie-Henriette of Habsburg-Lorraine until her death in 1902. After this period, the property was repurposed to serve as a cultural and exhibition space for the town.
The central wing now contains the Museum of the City of Waters, which tells the story of how this place became famous as a spa destination. Visitors can see how the thermal waters shaped the identity and development of the entire town.
The grounds feature maintained public gardens where visitors can walk through the surrounding parkland throughout the year. The layout is easy to navigate, allowing people to freely explore the different sections and outdoor spaces at their own pace.
The former royal stables house the Belgian Horse Museum, displaying an extensive collection dedicated to equestrian sports and heritage. Few visitors realize that this museum tells the story of how horses shaped both the royal household and the local culture of the region.
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