Borcht (Berneau)

Borcht (Berneau) is a historic castle located in the village of Berneau, part of the municipality of Dalhem in the Belgian province of Liège. Also known as the château des comtes de Borchgrave, it ranks among the oldest and architecturally most interesting buildings in the region, blending medieval fortification with a later noble residence.

How old is the site's history?

The first defensive structure on this spot dates back to the 9th century. After it fell into ruin, a new castle was built in the 14th century, centered on a heavily fortified keep. The whole complex was surrounded by moats and ponds, making the residence difficult to seize and typical of the defensive architecture of the period.

How did the castle's character change over the centuries?

A turning point came in 1595, when the van Gulpen family transformed the former stronghold into a residence with a more palatial character, better suited for comfortable living than for defense. In 1608, a tall round tower and several annex buildings were added, giving the complex a more representative appearance. Thanks to these alterations, Borcht today preserves a mix of architectural styles spanning the 14th to 17th centuries — built from sandstone and limestone rubble along with brick, its façades are decorated with arrow slits and Gothic-style windows that recall the building's military origins.

What happened to the castle in the 20th century?

Borcht's fate in the past century was turbulent. In 1914, during the First World War, the castle was set on fire by the German occupying forces, seriously damaging its structure. In 1921, the property was purchased by the municipality of Berneau, bringing it into public ownership. In 1935, the castle itself was classified as a historical monument, and in 1976 legal protection was extended to its dependencies as well — the presbytery, farm, and neighboring dwellings. For a period, the complex served public functions, housing a town hall and a school.

Who owns the castle today?

In 1997, the castle itself passed into private hands, closing the chapter of its public use as a seat of local government and an educational institution. Despite the change of ownership, its status as a protected historical monument still safeguards the building and its surroundings from uncontrolled alteration.

Where exactly is Borcht located?

The castle stands in the village of Berneau, part of the municipality of Dalhem, in the province of Liège, in the Walloon region of Belgium. This area has a rich history of border fortifications, and similar defensive-residential complexes can be found in several neighboring villages.

Frequently asked questions

Can Château Borcht be visited? Since the building has been privately owned since 1997, access to the interior may be limited — it's worth checking current tourist information from the municipality of Dalhem before planning a visit.

What architectural style does the building represent? The castle combines elements of medieval defensive architecture (the keep, arrow slits) with later, more decorative additions such as the 17th-century round tower and Gothic-style windows.

Why is the castle also called château des comtes de Borchgrave? The name refers to a family connected with the estate in later centuries of its history, although it was the van Gulpen family that carried out the most significant transformation at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Was the castle damaged during the world wars? Yes, in 1914, during the First World War, it was set on fire by German troops, marking one of the more severe episodes in its history.