


I visited this castle in 2004.
Millen Castle lies in the village of Millen, east of the town of Tongeren (Tongres in French) in Belgium.
Millen Castle was first mentioned in 1365. The square keep, predating the castle, had at that time already
developed into a square water castle with a projecting gatetower and circular flanking towers on two corners.
In 1489 the castle was besieged and taken which caused a lot of damage. At that time it was owned by Arnold
van Barlo; a servant of the Prince-Bishop of Luik (Liége in French).
In 1591 the castle came into the hands of the Fléron family, they turned the decaying castle into a more
comfortable manor in the style of the Mosan Renaissance.
After the 18th century the castle wasn't permanently inhabited anymore which caused it to fall into decay.
This led to the collapse of the residential wing in 1774.
In the early 19th century the castle had become a ruin and important parts of the castle were torn down. The
east and west wing which remained were turned into farm buildings.
In 1972 the castle remains were bought by the municipality of Millen to prevent further loss.
During the 1990's the castle was restored and it is now one of four visitors centers in a bicycle- and
car-itinerary-network around the theme "Castles and Fortifications in the Euregion Maas-Rijn". Don't have
high expectations about the visitor center however. It is very minimal. Too bad because they could make a
lot more of it.
The castle however is nice and in my opinion the restorations were done with style.


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