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Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant: A Journey Through Time

Explore Turnhout's Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant: a historic castle transformed into a modern courthouse, filled with art and history.

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The Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant (Castle of the Dukes of Brabant) in Turnhout, Belgium, is a historic castle dating back to the 12th century. Once a hunting lodge and later a residence for the Dukes of Brabant, it has served many roles, including a prison, storehouse, and even a weaving school. Today, it houses the courthouse, blending history with modern legal functions.

A brief summary to Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant

Local tips

  • Book a guided tour in advance through Visit Turnhout to explore the castle's interior, as individual visits are not permitted.
  • Note that the castle functions as a courthouse; tours may be altered or some areas closed due to court proceedings.
  • Check out the murals by Karel Boom in the great courtroom, which depict the justice system during the reign of Mary of Hungary.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Turnhout's city center, the Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant is a short 10-15 minute walk. Head towards Kasteelplein, where the castle is located. Follow the signs or use a map application to guide you to Kasteelplein 1, 2300 Turnhout.

  • Public Transport

    From Turnhout Train Station, you can take a local bus (Bus 1 or 2) towards 'Kasteelplein'. The bus ride takes approximately 5-10 minutes. A single ticket costs around €2.00. Alternatively, it's about a 20-minute walk from the train station to the castle.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Turnhout. A short ride from the Turnhout Train Station or the city center to the Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant will likely cost between €8-€15, depending on the service and time of day.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the E34 motorway and exit towards Turnhout, following signs to the city center. Continue to Kasteelplein 1, 2300 Turnhout. Parking is available near Kasteelplein, but fees may apply. Be aware of blue zone parking restrictions , where a parking disc is required Mon-Fri from 9:00-18:00 for a max of 2 hours free. A fine for exceeding the time limit is €25. Indigo Le Bon parking garage is nearby on Victoriestraat.

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Discover more about Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant

The Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant stands as a proud testament to Turnhout's rich history. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle has evolved through various transformations, initially serving as a hunting residence for the Dukes of Brabant. Over the centuries, it has been repurposed, functioning at times as a prison, a city storage facility, a fire station, and even a weaving school. The castle's architecture reflects its long and storied past. It has been renovated and restored multiple times, most notably in the early 20th century by provincial architect Jules Taeymans. During the Eighty Years' War, the castle was caught in the crossfire, enduring damage from cannon fire. Despite periods of neglect, the province of Antwerp purchased and restored the castle, recognizing its historical significance. Today, the Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant serves as the courthouse for Turnhout. While individual visits are not possible, guided group tours can be arranged through Visit Turnhout, offering insights into the castle's history and its current role in the legal system. The grand courtroom features impressive murals by Karel Boom, depicting justice during the time of Mary of Hungary. The castle also holds historical relics throughout its halls and rooms.

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