Nandrin Tower

The Nandrin Tower, locally known as Donjon de Nandrin, is situated in the center of the village with the same name, in the province of Liège in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

The domain of Nandrin belonged to the collegiate chapter of St. Paul in Liège. In 1181, it was ceded to the Bishop of Liège and became a feudal lordship under episcopal rule.

The Nandrin Tower was built at the end of the 13th century, possibly by Baudouin de Saint-Servais. After his daughter married Walthier de Corswarem Maron, the tower remained in that family for several generations.

In the 16th century, two wings with small square corner towers were added to the tower. Situated in a small lake and only accessible via an arched bridge from the bailey, this gave the estate a castle-like appearance.

In 1594, the Nandrin Tower was sold by Thierry de Hoen to Philippe Le Rouseau de Saint-Esprit. In 1619, in need of money, Prince-Bishop Ferdinand of Bavaria sold the land and lordship of Nandrin. Half was sold to Jean de Méan, and the other half to Philippe de Saint-Esprit, with the stipulation that the bishopric could repurchase them at any time and regain ownership of the estate. Philippe and his wife died without heirs, and their property passed to their nephews.

At the end of the 17th century, the Nandrin Tower belonged to Arnold de Soumagne and his wife Catherine de Rougrave. Their coats of arms are visible above the gate to the former bailey. In 1763, they lost the title of Lord of Nandrin after the bishopric repaid for it.

Descendants of Arnold de Soumagne held the property until 1858, when it was sold to Victor van den Steen de Jehay. In 1973, the tower was purchased by the Duchene family, who restored it. By then, the 16th-century additions had already disappeared.

Currently, the bailey is used as a farm, and the Nandrin Tower is a private residence. Neither is open for visitors.

Gallery