Turnhout Castle

Turnhout Castle, locally known as Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant which translates to 'Castle of the Dukes of Brabant', lies in the center of the town by the same name, in the province of Antwerp in the Flemish region in Belgium.

Turnhout Castle was built in the 12th century. From the 13th to the 18th century, many historical figures visited Turnhout Castle: John I, Duke of Brabant, in 1288; Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy; Charles the Bold, also Duke of Burgundy, in the 15th century; Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor; and King Christian II of Denmark.

Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, visited six times between 1541 and 1550. His sister, Mary of Hungary, the Governor of the Netherlands, owned the castle from 1546 to 1556. She transformed it into a Renaissance palace. She also hosted Philip II of Spain and Eleanor of Austria, Queen consort of France.

During the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), Turnhout Castle was on the front line. As a result, it changed hands several times between the Spanish army and Dutch rebels. In 1597, the north wing was burned down by Maurice of Nassau's troops. After that, the castle lost its military significance.

In the 17th century, Amalia of Solms-Braunfels hosted various notable guests at Turnhout Castle: William II, Prince of Orange, and his wife Mary, Princess Royal; and Frederick William I, Elector of Brandenburg. William III of England also visited multiple times.

In 1702, Turnhout became a Prussian barony under Frederick the Great. In 1789, during the Brabant Revolution, the Austrians were expelled from Turnhout. They returned twice, but in 1796, the castle was occupied by the French, who turned it into a courthouse and prison.

In the 20th century, the dilapidated castle was purchased by the municipality and restored twice in a Neo-Baroque style inspired by Classicism.

Currently, Turnhout Castle serves as a courthouse and is not open to the public.

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