Château de Raeren

Château de Raeren is a castle in the historic centre of Raeren, a small town in East Belgium close to the German border, north-west of Eupen. It was built in the mid-14th century on the site of a former iron ore smeltery, at the confluence of the Iter and Periol rivers. The estate was originally held as a fief of the St. Mary monastery in Aachen.

Where does the castle's story begin?

The first owner known by name was Johan van den Roideren, who died in 1426. At that time the castle consisted of a two-storey keep, or "Donjon," on an almost square layout, with the whole property surrounded by two moats and several ponds — a defensive arrangement typical of smaller knightly residences in the region.

How did the castle change over the centuries?

Towards the end of the 16th century, a fire destroyed the kitchen rooms. In 1583, the then owner, Philipp de Lomont, expanded the building, doubling its size. By the 18th century the castle had fallen into disrepair, but its owner, the lawyer Peter Joseph de Nys, rebuilt it in a romantic style, giving it much of the appearance it retains today.

Why is Raeren linked to pottery?

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Raeren was one of the most important pottery-making centres in the region: the village's livelihood depended on this craft, and its wares became famous well beyond the local area. From the 16th and 17th centuries onward, fine stoneware produced here found its way to the remotest corners of Europe. This craft heritage is directly reflected in how the castle is used today.

What can visitors see at the castle today?

Since 1960, Château de Raeren has been owned by the municipality of Raeren. In 1963, a Pottery Museum was established in the castle's main building, and it has since grown into one of the most important specialty museums in Belgium, with an international reputation. The collection holds more than 2,000 exhibits dating from the 14th to the 19th century, documenting the former importance of local potteries and their exports around the world. The castle building also houses Raeren's tourist information office.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the castle located? In the historic centre of Raeren, in East Belgium, north-west of Eupen and close to the German border and Aachen.

Who owned the castle over the years? Known owners include Johan van den Roideren (died 1426), Philipp de Lomont, who expanded the castle in 1583, and Peter Joseph de Nys, who rebuilt it in a romantic style in the 18th century.

What is there to see on site? The Pottery Museum, with more than 2,000 exhibits tracing the history of Raeren's pottery craft from the 14th to the 19th century, along with a tourist information point.

Since when has the castle belonged to the municipality? The municipality of Raeren has owned the castle since 1960, and the museum opened there in 1963.