Beersel

The moated castle of Beersel, built during the 13th century, is one of the very few wellpreserved examples of medieval fortifications in Belgium. “The castle has a rich history,” Joke Vandenbussche of the municipality of Beersel says. “Originally serving as a stronghold to defend Brussels against attacks from Flanders, the castle later became the property of the Lords of Wittem for nine generations.” The castle became neglected after its last habitant left in the 18th century, but luckily has been restored to its old state and welcomes 15,000 annual visitors today. “The castle looks exactly like it did in the 15th century.”