Logne Castle

Logne Castle, locally known as Château Fort de Logne, lies above the hamlet of the same name, in the Liège province in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

The site of Logne Castle, a 60-meter-high spur between the Ourthe and Lembrée rivers, was likely fortified as early as the 5th century to defend Roman lands against marauding Germanic tribes.

The first recorded mention of a fortification here was in 862 AD, when it served as a refuge for monks from the Abbey of Stavelot, who kept the relics of St. Remacle during Norman invasions. In the early 12th century, under Abbot Wibald’s rule, Logne became a county within the Principality of Stavelot-Malmedy. At that time, Logne Castle was significantly strengthened and served as a fortress guarding the principality's western border.

In 1427, the castle was sold to the House of La Marck, who allowed it to fall into disrepair, turning it into a haven for robbers. Near the end of the 15th century, an outer bailey was added, and the castle was modernized to better withstand advances in artillery.

Further adaptations occurred in the early 16th century. In 1521, it was besieged and captured by troops of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, who then completely dismantled the castle. It remained in ruins afterward, with locals later using the stones as a quarry.

In the early 20th century, the ruins were rediscovered, leading to archaeological excavations and restoration work. The site features several underground rooms and passages.

Today, Logne Castle can be visited for a small fee, offering a remarkable castle ruin experience, especially when combined with nearby caves.

Gallery