Boussu Castle

Boussu Castle, locally known as Château de Boussu, lies in a park in the town of the same name, in the province of Hainaut in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

The site of Boussu Castle has been occupied since Gallo-Roman times. The first castle was built here during the 10th century. It belonged to the Fontaine family and was later transferred to the Hénin-Liétard family through marriage.

In 1402, the castle was besieged by the Lord of Chaudmont, a sworn enemy of the Lords of Boussu. After a few days, the castle was taken, looted, and partly burned. In 1478, this initial castle was finally destroyed during the wars between France and the Duchy of Burgundy.

In 1540, Jean de Hénin-Liétard, the first Count of Boussu, ordered a new castle to be built by architect Jacques du Broeucq. In 1545, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, visited his friend Jean de Hénin-Liétard to admire the new castle. He was warmly welcomed, and even though the castle was still under construction, he stayed overnight. In 1554, Charles V visited again and was again graciously received. This inspired the legend that at the end of his visit, the Count of Boussu burned down his own castle because 'after the visit of such a noble person, no one was more worthy to enter it...'

Boussu Castle was also visited by Philip II of Spain in 1549 and 1558, Louis XIV of France, who celebrated his birthday there in 1655, and William III of England in 1676.

During subsequent wars, the castle sustained so much damage that by 1810 it was completely ruined. The ruins were then dismantled, except for the gatehouse, which was restored by Count Maurice de Caraman. During World War II, the gatehouse was occupied by the Luftwaffe, who used it as an ammunition depot. They destroyed the depot in September 1944.

Since 2010, the ruin of the gatehouse has been restored and now functions as a small museum. It is located in a municipal park. Only the foundation of the northeast tower and the cellars of the castle remain. In the park area south of the castle, there is a large collection of dressed stones from the old castle, along with a ruined early 20th-century house. The park where Boussu Castle is located can be visited freely during the day. The restored gatehouse can be toured for a fee on certain days. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited. It’s a very nice castle, and I especially liked the rows of stones from the old castle.

Gallery