Castle of Schoten

The Castle of Schoten (Dutch: Kasteel van Schoten) is a moated residence in the municipality of Schoten, in the Antwerp province of Belgium, standing today as a textbook example of a Flemish noble country house.

Where does the site's history begin?

The origins of the site go back to the 13th century, when a farmstead on this spot served as the seat of the Lords of Schoten. The earliest known record of this "Court of Schoten" dates to 1232, making the farm the direct ancestor of the later castle. For a long stretch of time the site functioned mainly as an administrative center of the local lordship, well before it took on the appearance of a grand residence.

When was the present castle built?

The site's real transformation began in the 16th century, when wealthy burghers and successful merchants from nearby Antwerp started choosing the surrounding countryside as the location for their country houses — close enough to the city for convenience, yet far enough to escape its noise. Construction of the original castle started in 1548, replacing the earlier farm buildings. The structure was later reworked several times, and a final, thorough reconstruction in 1611 gave the castle the form that has largely survived to the present day.

Who owned the castle?

At some point the castle passed into the hands of the Ullens de Schooten family, a Belgian noble family that was raised to the peerage in 1693 by the Spanish king Charles II — Schoten then lying within the Spanish Netherlands. The family held the castle for many decades, and several of its members served as mayors of Schoten, underlining how closely the family's fortunes were tied to the local community and municipal administration.

What does the castle look like today?

The Castle of Schoten is a classic example of a Flemish noble country residence, encircled by a water-filled moat that once served a defensive purpose while also reinforcing the estate's stately appearance. The surrounding water visually sets the building apart from its surroundings, giving it the feel of a secluded, picturesque property. Today the building no longer serves as a private residence but functions as a cultural center, hosting events and activities for the local community.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the Castle of Schoten? The site itself dates back to the 13th century, with the first written mention from 1232. Construction of the actual castle began in 1548, and it received its present form after a reconstruction completed in 1611.

Who built the Castle of Schoten? The castle was built at the initiative of wealthy Antwerp burghers and merchants who, during the 16th century, sought sites for country residences outside the city. It later belonged for a long time to the Ullens de Schooten family.

Who were the Ullens de Schooten family? A Belgian noble family raised to the peerage in 1693 by the Spanish king Charles II. Family members also held the office of mayor of Schoten.

Can visitors see the Castle of Schoten today? The building now operates as a cultural center, meaning it is accessible through the events and cultural activities held on its grounds rather than as a private estate closed to the public.

What is architecturally distinctive about the castle? Its defining feature is the water-filled moat encircling the entire structure — a typical element of Flemish noble residences of this period, combining a defensive function with a stately appearance.