Reinhardstein Castle

Reinhardstein Castle, locally known as Burg Reinhardstein or Burg Metternich, lies south of the village of Ovifat, in the province of Liège in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

In 1354, Wenceslas, Duke of Luxembourg, granted Renaud of Waimes permission to construct a castle at this site, a rocky outcrop above the small valley of the Warche stream. In 1468, the castle was transferred to the Van Nassau family through marriage. By inheritance, the De Metternich family acquired the castle in 1550.

Several sources suggest that the castle was destroyed in 1677 by troops of Ludwig XIV. However, other sources, including the castle's visitor guide, do not mention this, so its destruction remains uncertain.

During the French Revolution, the castle was confiscated. It was later returned to the De Metternich family.

At the start of the 19th century, they sold the castle for demolition because they preferred living on their estates in Germany and feared the return of French troops. Most of the castle was dismantled, leaving behind abandoned ruins. Later, treasure hunters also damaged the site in search of purportedly hidden gold and silver.

In 1969, the castle ruins were 'rediscovered' by Jean Overloop, a Belgian professor of diplomacy. He reconstructed the castle to match its 17th-century appearance based on drawings from that era. He then lived in the castle until his death in 1994.

Reinhardstein Castle is currently private property, but can be visited on guided tours. Photography of the interior is prohibited. It is a beautiful castle, although it is technically a 20th-century building.

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