Kasteel Borrekens — Attraction in Vorselaar

The Borrekens Castle also known as Kasteel Borrekens, located in Vorselaar, Belgium, is a remarkable historical landmark with origins tracing back to around 1270. It was originally constructed by the Van Rotselaar family, who served as stewards to the Dukes of Brabant.

The castle is a classic example of a medieval water castle, built in a swampy area near an important trade route between Antwerp and Turnhout, likely extending towards Cologne. Its construction primarily features white Vilvoorde sandstone, giving it a distinctive and elegant appearance.

The castle’s layout has largely been preserved through the centuries, maintaining its square form surrounded by a moat and fortified towers, which were designed for defense. Over time, Borrekens Castle underwent several significant restorations and remodelings.

In the late 17th century, it was partly rebuilt and enclosed by stone walls, and in the 19th century, it received its current neo-Gothic style under the guidance of Philippe van de Werve, the then mayor of Vorselaar. This blend of medieval and neo-Gothic architecture adds to the castle’s unique charm and historical depth.

Borrekens Castle has been closely tied to noble families over the centuries, notably the De Borrekens family from the late 19th century onward, who acquired it through marriage and whose name the castle now bears. The family’s lineage includes notable figures who held important positions in Belgian society, and the castle remained a private residence until the late 20th century.

Today, while the castle itself is private property and not open to the public, the surrounding grounds and forested areas with the moat are accessible for visitors to explore on foot, offering a peaceful and picturesque environment.

The castle is enveloped by beautifully maintained gardens and natural landscapes, making it a serene spot for walking and photography.

Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and tranquil setting make Borrekens Castle a captivating destination for those interested in Belgian heritage, medieval architecture, and noble history. Though interior access is limited, the castle’s exterior and its natural surroundings provide a rich experience of the region’s cultural and...

De devotiekapel is gelegen in het bosrijke domein van het kasteel De Borrekens in Vorselaar, waar je als wandelaar vrij mag wandelen met als kenwoord ‘Respect’, niet ver van de zogenaamde ‘kasteeldreef’. De neogotische, bakstenen kapel is toegewijd aan Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdes. De binnenzijde van de toren werd uitgewerkt als Lourdes-grot. Over de datum van oprichting van de kapel bestaat onduidelijkheid. Zeker is dat de kapel werd opgericht in opdracht van Graaf Philippe van de Werve, die op het kasteel leefde van 1850 tot 1884. In 2004 werd de kapel beschermd als erkend monument. En van hieruit zijn we enkele stappen verwijderd van het kasteel dat al eeuwenlang de trots van Vorselaar is. Rond 1270 werd de eerste steen gelegd door de ridders van Rotselaar. Het grondplan werd tot op de dag van vandaag grotendeels bewaard. En, in het kasteel huist een schatkist aan geschiedenis en verhalen, en werd al die tijd bewoond door...

Update 2025: this is a private castle now. Not open for tourists. Please make sure to read my comment before visiting. You can not enter the domain. You can only walk around but not inside. Make sure to share the message otherwise you will drive like me 2 hours to go back home...