Groot-Bijgaarden Castle (, ) is a 12th-century castle in Groot-Bijgaarden in the municipality of Dilbeek, Flemish Brabant, Belgium. The castle was built for Almaric Bigard, the first lord of Bigard. Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is situated at an elevation of 47 meters.

Architecture

Construction began in the early 12th century.

Groot-Bijgaarden Castle

The castle is surrounded by a wide moat spanned by a bridge with five arches, leading to the drawbridge. The central part of the gatehouse dates from the 14th century.

Groot-Bijgaarden Castle

A four-storey tower (the "dungeon", built 1347), 30 metres high, is by the side of the gatehouse.

Groot-Bijgaarden Castle

The castle is in the Flemish Renaissance style, with red brick and a slate roof.

In 1902, the castle was very dilapidated and Raymond Pelgrims Bigard began renovations that lasted 30 years.

Parks and gardens

Garden architect Louis Fuchs created the 14-hectare park alongside the castle at the start of the 20th century. The park is open in spring every year since 2003 for an international flower exhibition with tulips from the Netherlands.

See also

List of castles in Belgium

References

External links

Official website

Buildings and structures completed in 1347

Towers completed in the 14th century

Castles in Belgium

Castles in Flemish Brabant

Dilbeek

Gardens in Belgium