Arenberg Castle, Heverlee, Belgium

Arenberg Castle is a stunning Flemish Renaissance château in Heverlee, near Leuven. This historic castle, surrounded by a lush park, now belongs to KU Leuven.

Originally a medieval fortress from the 12th century, the château was rebuilt in 1455 by the Croÿ family. It features traditional Flemish architecture with Gothic, Renaissance, and neo-Gothic elements. In 1612, it passed to the Arenberg family, who owned it until World War I.

After the war, the château and its 29-hectare park were donated to KU Leuven. Today, it houses the Faculty of Engineering Science and the Department of Architecture, Urbanism, and Urban Planning. The castle and its scenic grounds provide a serene environment for the university campus.

A historic watermill dating back to before 1286 is located in the park. While the château itself is mainly used by the university, its beautiful surroundings are perfect for a peaceful stroll.