Castle of Freÿr

The Freÿr Castle is a magnificent building on the left, the west bank of the Meuse in the Belgian village of Hastière area in the province of Namur in Wallonia.

On the opposite side of the river, the rocks of Freÿr raise.

History and Architecture

One from the 14th century, existing, a ford across the River Meuse securing medieval castle was destroyed in 1554 by the troops of Henry II in the war against Charles V.. In its place was built in 1571 in the Renaissance period a country house. The oldest preserved part of the building today is a native of the East Wing in 1571. 1637 the plant was expanded to a four-bladed, around a courtyard landscaped building. Along the Meuse bank made ​​two gardens. In the 18th century it was converted into a ducal residence, the design of the Palace of Versailles is said to have served as a model took place. Here, the south wing was demolished and its portal from 1637 incorporated into the newly built large porch. The palace was the summer residence of the Dukes of Beaufort - Spontin.

In October 1675, the ambassador of Louis XIV and Charles II met in the Palace of Spain for the signing of an inch - and -trade agreement, which concerned transported on the rivers Meuse and Sambre goods. On this occasion, the first time was served in this region coffee, which was pre-empted at the court at Versailles in fashion. 1675 also lived Louis XIV during the siege of the castle of Dinant.

1769 built on the site of the former south wing two covered with a mansard roof pavilions. 1770 the courtyard was repaved. He shows since a wind rose. In the 18th century William of Beaufort - Spontin with the permission of the Bishop of Namur Berlo in the castle was built a chapel. The regular way to five kilometers away parish church in Onhaye should be avoided. Some windows of the chapel date back to the 16th century and were originally in the Abbey Waulsort. 1785 was the Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria and her husband Albert Casimir of Sachsen -Teschen on the castle as a guest.

During World War II, it came in the context of the castle fighting between German and French troops. On August 23, 1914 translated from the morning hours German troops in the vicinity of the castle from the east of the Meuse. The the on-site French troops withdrew after fighting in the west. German Pioneers erected a temporary bridge at the castle, which was completed last night against 24 clock. The castle was occupied by German troops. In the reception room of the Duke an operating room has been set up, where the pool table was used as an operating table.

End of 1960s/beginning 1970, the plant was restored. In February 1995, the castle was struck by a flood of the river Meuse, which also reached the interiors. Since 1876, the course of the Meuse had been straightened, floods are even reaching the castle, become more common. Today the castle is occupied by the family for residential purposes, but it is accessible to the public for inspection.

Features of the main building and exhibits

In the large porch located on the ceiling of Italian frescoes. They had been painted over in 1794 as a result of the French Revolution. As at the end of the 19th century the lime dissolved, they were rediscovered and renewed by monks from Beuron. The blackened by a fire paintings were cleaned in 1995 by Polish artists. In the lobby you will also find the coat of arms of the family Beaufort - Spontin how they were used 1505-1755. More pictures in the lobby show various hunting scenes. Visitors are shown the children's carriage made ​​from Karrossenbauer Simon from Brussels for the three children of the first Duke of Beaufort. The on the Universal Exhibition of 1889 in Paris issued carriage was there as the best children's toys.

At the interior of the castle especially a Renaissance fireplace in the dining room is remarkable that originally was in Louvigny castle. Although the dining room is located in the oldest part of the building, however, was created in its current form until 1886 when a prompted by Louise de Laubespin remodeling.

Castle Garden

The property is surrounded by a spacious garden. The orangery of the castle is the oldest in Belgium. The plant has about 300 -year-old orange trees and six kilometers long, maze -like scale arcades. On the entire length between the castle and the Orangerie is a promenade created above a wall that has periodically with double-faced ruler busts. In the middle is a swan fountain, next to the stairs to the summer house of the castle goes up.