Asten Castle

Asten Castle, locally known as Kasteel Asten, lies south of the town of Asten, in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands.

A stone building with the name Asten was first mentioned in 1399. In the early 15th century Asten Castle was built by Goosen van Berkel. This castle had an almost square ground plan with 3 wings around a courtyard and a small corner tower, circled by a moat.

Between 1575 and 1625 the late-medieval castle was rebuilt into a Renaissance manor by Bernard van Merode. Also the present bailey was built and a second moat was dug. Around 1680 the west wing was torn down by Everard van Doerne.

Several repairs were carried out around 1740 but Asten Castle was already falling into disrepair. It was then owned by regents, who had their residences in Holland. From 1836 on, Asten Castle wasn't even permanently inhabited anymore. The empty building then slowly fell to ruin.

Between 1935 and 1942 Asten Castle seemed to be saved when it was partially rebuilt by Baron Clemens van Hövell tot Westerflier. It was a rigorous reconstruction, partially based on fantasy. But in 1944 the castle was shelled by German phosphor grenades and destroyed.

At present the ruin of Asten Castle is privately owned. The buildings in the bailey are used as private residences. Asten Castle can be visited for a fee, but only on appointment, with a guide and as part of a group. When I visited I was lucky to be granted free access by one of the inhabitants of the bailey, so I had the ruin all to myself. This is a lovely and interesting ruin.

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