Franchimont Castle, Theux, Belgium

Franchimont Castle sits at the western end of a small hill overlooking the village of Franchimont. It is thought to have originally been built in the 11th century, as a stronghold of the Principality of Liège. The original building was extended several times during the Middle Ages, once after a fire in 1387.

In 1487 the castle was besieged, and around the same period the La Marck family took ownership of it. In the early 16th century the outer wall was built, with casemates and an artillery tower added.

Today the castle is owned by the town of Theux and is open to the public. The artillery tower at the north-east corner contains a small exhibition and the ticket office.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Samuel Gillessen (8 months ago)
Nice little castle to visit when you are in the region. Well suited for children although not every part is reachable by pushchair (caves and upper parts of the castle).

Athanasios Gkoutziotis (2 years ago)
The castle was closed by the time we arrived. However, the walking trail was really beautiful.

Bryan Volckaert (3 years ago)
Definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area! They even provide an interactive experience for kids by using a photo quest. Friendly people at the desk, good priced giftshop. In short nothing negative to say!

alain suttels (3 years ago)
This castle is closed at the time as it only opens in May. You can, however, take a walk through the mote. The castle ruin is in very bad shape.

Manoel Bispo de Santana Júnior (5 years ago)
Went on July 2020 Parking close to the landmark - free Ruins of a castle from Liege archbishops... Interesting to see evolution of the building. 4 euros each and you receive a map to see landmarks. Interesting toilletes (by gravity ?) Bunkers were not accessible (long stairs to go down and closed space) Place under refurbishment (always) Interesting to know the history of the region. Recommended (but not for handicapped people or aged) Enjoy!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

Historic Site of the week

Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Franchimont Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Sigmaringen Castle