Mielmont Castle

Mielmont Castle, locally known as Château de Mielmont, lies north of the village of Onoz, in the province of Namur in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

Mielmont Castle was first mentioned in 1125 as the property of Renier de Merlemont. The seigniory of Mielmont was part of the County of Namur and served as an important fortress defending its border with the Duchy of Brabant, along with nearby Falnuée Castle and Villeret Tower. Until the mid-14th century, it remained in the hands of the Merlemont family, then passed to the Dave (or Davre) family.

The castle lost its strategic importance after Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, purchased the County of Namur in 1429 and inherited the Duchy of Brabant the following year. From then on, the castle gradually transformed into a more comfortable residence.

In the 17th century, it came into the possession of the Sainte Aldegonde family, then the Roose family, Barons of Leeuw, and later the Coloma family, who held it until 1831, when it passed to the Beaufort family.

Mielmont Castle was built on a rocky outcrop above the valley of the Orneau River.

Today, Mielmont Castle is a private residence, but it can be rented for events. Only its backside can be seen from the public road down in the valley. Too bad, it looks great.

Gallery