Castle Beaulieu

Machelen, Belgium

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Castle Beaulieu in Machelen, Belgium, is a Baroque moated castle built between 1653 and 1656 by Count Lamoral II Claudius Franz of Thurn and Taxis, who was the Imperial Postmaster. The castle was constructed in locally quarried sandstone and designed by architect Lucas Fayd'herbe.

It was originally known as Belvédère and was renowned for its elegant Baroque architecture with exceptionally large windows typical of an urban palace adapted to a rural setting. The interior is notable for its intricate stucco work by Jan-Christian Hansche, a celebrated 17th-century Flemish artist famous for dramatic and detailed three-dimensional ceilings.

Over time, the castle passed through various owners including Gio Paolo Bombarda, the founder of the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels, and the banker Frédéric de Romberg. The castle's surrounding park and gardens, once expansive and picturesque along the Woluwe river valley, have mostly disappeared due to industrialization and urban development in the 20th century.

After periods of decline and partial demolition, the castle was restored in the mid-20th century and again in the early 21st century, preserving key historical elements, especially the stucco ceilings. The castle today stands as a historical monument on a busy road in Machelen, maintaining its cultural and artistic significance despite the transformation of its environment.

It remains a notable example of Flemish Baroque architecture and artistry from the 17th century.