Top 20 Castles around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Best castles around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis are found in a region characterized by its historical estates and green landscapes. This area, located within the Brussels-Capital Region, offers a combination of urban accessibility and natural surroundings. The Flemish green outskirts provide a setting for various architectural landmarks. These sites often feature extensive parks and gardens, inviting exploration.
Best castles around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
- The most popular castles is Gaasbeek Castle, a castle that underwent significant Baroque park transformations in the…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Gaasbeek Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Groenenberg Castle
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Meise Botanic Garden
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Groenenberg castle and park
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Coloma Estate
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Wallonia by bike — RV1 : Along the water
Running Trails around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Cycling around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Hiking around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Gravel biking around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
MTB Trails around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Other adventures around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Tips from the Community
In the middle of the Pajottenland lies the charming Coloma Estate, with an 18th-century moated castle, winding paths and the largest rose garden in Europe. More than 3,000 rose varieties from 25 countries bloom here in perfectly landscaped garden rooms, with the castle and the old garden pavilion as a romantic backdrop. In every season, the estate offers a fragrant, colourful and relaxing experience.
2
0
superb, well-maintained and very varied park
0
0
The Groenenberg castle and park grounds, located in Gaasbeek and Vlezenbeek, have been the property of the Flemish Community since 1981, which had it thoroughly restored in 1992. The domain was opened to the public on July 17, 1990. The castle was built around 1890, in an eclectic style. The 45 hectare English landscape park was created by Edmond Galoppin, one of the most famous landscape architects of that time. The park is characterized by winding roads, curved forest edges and extensive lawns, low flower beds, solitary trees and shrubs. Didactic identification plates have been placed on the most remarkable trees. The park is connected to the historic domain and castle of Gaasbeek.
6
0
Gaasbeek Castle is an originally medieval castle, now a national museum, located in Gaasbeek, a sub-municipality of Lennik. Source: Wikipedia
6
0
A beautiful and striking garden pavilion that was built in the years 1620 - 1625 on behalf of the then lord Renaat van Renesse of Warfusée.
6
0
Groenenberg Castle and its park domain, located in Gaasbeek and Vlezenbeek, has been owned by the Flemish Community since 1981, which had it thoroughly restored in 1992. The domain was opened to the public on 17 July 1990. The castle was built around 1890, in an eclectic style. The 45 ha English landscape park was designed by Edmond Galoppin, one of the most famous landscape architects of that time. The park is characterised by winding roads, curved forest edges and extensive lawns, low flower beds, solitary trees and shrubs. Didactic identification plates have been placed on the most remarkable trees. The park is connected to the historic domain and castle of Gaasbeek.
6
0
It is very nice to walk and stay here when the roses are in bloom.
4
3
The pleasure pavilion in Gaasbeek is a Baroque garden pavilion that was built around 1620-1625 on behalf of Renaat van Renesse van Warfusée, the then lord of Gaasbeek. The pavilion is located in the park of Gaasbeek Castle, a historic castle and museum. The pavilion has an oval-round shape, a slate roof and a beautiful stucco ceiling with mosaic and mythological figures. The pavilion is surrounded by a double staircase that leads to the ponds and the park.
6
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular castles to visit around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis?
Among the most popular castles in the region are Gaasbeek Castle, known for its Baroque park and lavish stucco ceiling, and Groenenberg Castle, set within a 45-hectare English landscape park. Visitors also highly appreciate Coloma Estate, which features an 18th-century moated castle and one of Europe's largest rose gardens.
Are there family-friendly castles near Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis?
Yes, several castles in the area are family-friendly. Gaasbeek Castle, Groenenberg Castle, and Coloma Estate are all categorized as family-friendly. The extensive parks and gardens surrounding these castles offer plenty of space for children to explore.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis?
The spring and summer months are ideal for visiting, especially to experience the full beauty of the castle parks and gardens. For instance, Coloma Estate is particularly stunning when its 3,000 rose varieties are in bloom. However, some sites like Meise Botanic Garden, which includes a castle, offer unique experiences even in winter with special light installations and warm greenhouses.
Can I find parking facilities at the castles?
Yes, some castles offer parking facilities. For example, Coloma Estate is known to have parking available for visitors.
Are there opportunities for outdoor activities near these castles?
Absolutely. The region around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, running routes, and road cycling routes that often pass by or are close to these historical sites and their expansive parks.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at these castle domains?
The castle domains are often set within significant natural landscapes. Groenenberg Castle, for instance, is surrounded by a 45-hectare English landscape park with winding roads, forest edges, and diverse plant collections. Coloma Estate boasts one of Europe's largest rose gardens, while Meise Botanic Garden (which includes a castle) is a vast biodiverse garden with greenhouses and outdoor displays.
Are there cafes or dining options near the castles?
Yes, some castle estates offer dining options. For example, at Coloma Estate, you can find the tavern 'De Koetsier', which was historically a coach house. The Meise Botanic Garden also has an orangery that serves as a self-service restaurant.
What historical insights can I gain from visiting these castles?
The castles offer a glimpse into various historical periods. Gaasbeek Castle showcases Baroque transformations from the seventeenth century, including a lavish stucco ceiling. Coloma Estate features an 18th-century moated castle with a rich history of renovations and ownership changes, and even houses a rose museum detailing the history of roses.
Are dogs allowed at the castle grounds?
While specific dog policies vary by location, the Groenenberg castle and park is noted for being an 'animal-friendly walk,' suggesting that dogs may be welcome in certain outdoor areas. It's always best to check the specific castle's website for their current pet policy before visiting.
How long should I allocate for a visit to a castle?
The duration of a visit can vary. For a comprehensive experience including the castle interior and extensive grounds, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Larger estates like Groenenberg Castle with its 45-hectare park or Meise Botanic Garden (92 hectares) could easily fill half a day or more, especially if you plan to explore the gardens and walking paths.
Are there any hidden gem castles or lesser-known historical sites worth visiting?
While the main highlights are well-known, exploring the broader domains like the 92-hectare Meise Botanic Garden, which includes a 12th-century castle tower, can offer a unique experience beyond just the main castle buildings. These larger estates often have less-explored corners and diverse natural beauty.
Most popular routes around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Most popular attractions around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillis:
