Liresse Castle

Liresse Castle, locally known as Château de Liresse, lies in the woods between the villages of Rochehaut and Mogimont, in the province of Luxembourg in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

Nothing is known about the history of Liresse Castle. It was only mentioned once in the second part of the 11th century in the archives of the Saint-Hubert Abbey as a fortification built to protect the route from Vivy to Bouillon. Part of it was used as a redoubt by Louis XIV of France in 1706. It is one of a series of 28 sites along the Semois River, like Montragut Castle or Fées Castle.

Legend has it that its inhabitants were pagans who worshiped a Golden Calf. When the squire converted to Christianity, he discarded the idol by throwing it into a deep well in the keep. In the early 19th century, the ruins' owner, inspired by the legend, cleared the wells in search of the golden idol, but only found antler fragments and a human skeleton. He even hired a dowser to help find it, but eventually gave up his search.

Liresse Castle sits on a naturally protected rocky outcrop. Today, several straight and curved walls remain, forming a courtyard. In the central elevated area, where the keep likely stood, is an 11-meter-deep pit, believed to be the legendary well. Access is from the north via a gravel path through shale stones placed on edge along the eastern wall. A shale corridor wall later replaced the original wooden entrance with an arched wooden door. Until a few years ago, the locations of the door’s frame could still be seen, but the walls are now collapsing.

On a smaller rocky outcrop on the southern side of the courtyard stands a small 19th-century chapel. An abandoned 20th-century building is also located in the courtyard.

The site of Liresse Castle is private property but is freely accessible. It’s a peaceful and quiet place with a mysterious atmosphere. Although there isn't much architectural detail remaining, I really enjoyed it.

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