Cities
Belgium Antwerp Flanders Castle

Couwelaar Castle

About

Couwelaar Castle, affectionately known by locals as "De Drie Torekens" or The Three Turrets, is a hidden historical gem tucked away in the Deurne district of Antwerp. Its story begins in the early 15th century, with the first recorded mentions of the estate dating back to 1402. Over the centuries, the castle transitioned from a simple medieval manor into a refined "Hof van Plaisantie," a luxury country retreat for Antwerp’s wealthy merchant class. The building is easily recognized by its distinctive L-shape and its three signature towers—two rounded ones flanking the front and a square tower at the rear—which give the estate its charming nickname. Throughout its life, the castle has undergone several stylistic transformations, evolving from its early origins into a beautiful blend of Neo-Renaissance and Rococo architecture. In the 18th century, it was significantly restored in a classical style, and later, the noble della Faille family added the lush, Italian-inspired garden elements that still define its character today. After serving for decades as a municipal administrative center, the castle was carefully restored in the early 21st century. Today, it has found a new purpose as a unique residential complex, divided into cohousing apartments.

Antwerp Belgium
Couwelaar Castle
Location

Couwelaar Castle (Te Couwelaar or De Drie Torekens) is located at Lakborslei 202 in the Deurne district of Antwerp, Belgium, northeast of the city center. This L-shaped 15th-century moated castle, featuring two round front towers and a square rear tower with Neo-Renaissance and Rococo elements, now serves as private cohousing apartments after municipal use and restoration. Reachable by tram line 5 from Antwerpen-Centraal station (about 20 minutes to Eksterlaar), it's surrounded by residential Deurne neighborhoods, nearby parks like Rivierenhof (2km east), shopping at Winkelcentrum Eksterlaar, and local cafes; the area offers quiet suburban charm with easy access to Antwerp Zoo (3km southwest) and the bustling city core via public transport.

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