One of the finest rural castles within striking distance of Brussels, the Kasteel van Gaasbeek is set in an extensive 17th-century park. Originally built to guard the medieval Brabant–Flanders border, this was the castle that angry Brussels folk burnt down in response to the 1388 murder of Everard ‘t Serclaes. In 1565, Gaasbeek was briefly home to Count Egmond before he was executed by the Spanish. Elements of each era are visible.
The building is furnished inside, romantically crenellated outside and looks quite different when viewed from different angles – though the majority of the structure is the result of an extensive 1897 renovation. The castle is 14km southwest of central Brussels. Take bus 142 from Erasmus metro station.
