Ecaussinnes-Lalaing Castle: A Historic Fortress and Noble Residence in Belgium

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.chateaufort-ecaussinnes.be

Country: Belgium

Civilization: Medieval European

Remains: Military

History

Ecaussinnes-Lalaing Castle stands in the village of Écaussinnes, Belgium, near the Sennette River. Its origins trace back to 1184 when Baldwin V, Count of Hainaut, established a fortified post at this strategic border close to the Duchy of Brabant. This initial fortification marked the site’s military importance in the medieval period.

The current castle structure was built in the late 13th century by the lords of Écaussinnes. Over time, their heirs, the Lalaing family, expanded the fortress. In 1357, Jeanne du Rœulx, lady of Écaussinnes, married Simon VII de Lalaing, making the castle the Lalaing family residence for nearly one hundred years. This union solidified the castle’s role as a noble home rather than just a military stronghold.

In 1428, ownership passed to the Croÿ family through the marriage of Marie de Lalaing to Jean II de Croÿ, Count of Chimay. The Croÿ family held the castle for several centuries. During the first half of the 16th century, Michel de Croÿ transformed the castle from a defensive fortress into a comfortable noble residence. He added a Gothic chapel and large fireplaces, reflecting the shift from military to residential use.

From 1642 to 1854, the Van der Burch family owned the castle. Antoine van der Burch (1670–1736) redecorated the interiors in the Rococo style and added the entrance tower, blending new architectural elements with the medieval structure. This period emphasized comfort and aesthetic refinement over defense.

In 1854, Prosper-Louis, Duke of Arenberg, acquired the castle but showed little interest in its upkeep. Later, the Italian Aldobrandini family took ownership and entrusted the castle to French religious communities exiled in Belgium during the early 20th century. By 1922, the castle had fallen into neglect.

Edmond Puissant, a collector and archaeologist, purchased and restored the castle in the 1920s. He opened it to the public in 1926. Subsequently, Adrien van der Burch, a descendant of the earlier owners, reacquired the property and founded an organization to preserve the castle and its collections for future generations.

Remains

Ecaussinnes-Lalaing Castle is built on a rocky escarpment overlooking the Sennette River. The layout includes a strong stone keep, or donjon, surrounded by an irregular defensive wall. This medieval core dates from the late 13th century and reflects the castle’s original military purpose.

The castle’s construction uses robust stone masonry typical of medieval fortifications. Over centuries, the structure was expanded and modified, blending defensive features with residential additions. The ground floor and basement retain much of their medieval character and are used today for educational purposes.

Notable 16th-century elements include a Gothic chapel within the castle walls, added during Michel de Croÿ’s renovations. Two large monumental fireplaces, located in the great hall and on the first floor, also date from this period, highlighting the castle’s transition to a noble residence.

The entrance tower, built in the early 18th century by Antoine van der Burch, contrasts with the older medieval parts. Its style reflects the Rococo influence that also appears in the interior decorations on the first floor of the Gothic hall.

The site includes a fortified farm and a garden established in 1720. Both are protected as part of the castle’s heritage classification. The castle houses collections of Hainaut porcelain and 17th- and 18th-century furniture assembled by Adrien van der Burch.

Today, the castle is sufficiently preserved to allow public access and cultural activities. Ongoing maintenance is managed by the Van der Burch Foundation, ensuring the site’s historical features remain intact.