Kasteel van Lilare, Schloss in Belgien
Kasteel van Lilare is a castle in Sint-Maria-Oudenhove near Brakel, consisting of multiple building sections surrounded by extensive grounds with old trees, waterways, and fields. The property features a gatehouse from the 15th century, a chapel built in 1943, a walled garden, and a broad tree-lined approach road leading to the main residence.
The estate was known as the lordship of Lilare from the 12th century and passed through the hands of multiple families over the centuries, including Lilare, Herzele, Egmont, and Blondel. The main building dates to 1810-1815, while the gatehouse originates from the 15th century and received monument protection in 1980.
The castle has served as a school and boarding facility since 1933 and remains central to the community. This modern use shows how historic buildings continue to shape daily life in the region today.
The site functions as a school and boarding facility today and is not always accessible to independent visitors. Your best opportunity to explore comes during school holidays when guided tours or visits may be arranged.
The building houses a remarkable collection of Russian icons from the 18th and 19th centuries along with artworks by Felix De Boeck, making it an unexpected cultural treasure. These religious and artistic works create a quiet contrast to the site's modern school use and reveal the rich cultural layers of the place.
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