Kasteel Calixberg

Kasteel Calixberg is a historic castle in Schoten, a municipality in the Belgian province of Antwerp, whose roots stretch back to a medieval stronghold that once guarded this stretch of land. The residence standing today is far younger than the original fortification, yet it still carries the layered legacy of the region's long defensive and manorial history.

How to get there?

Schoten sits on the outskirts of Antwerp, just a few kilometres northeast of the city centre, making it easy to reach by car or public transport from Antwerp itself. The castle stands along Borgeindstraat and Calesbergdreef, in a quiet, green part of the municipality surrounded by the kind of mature woodland typical of the area. Its proximity to a major city makes it simple to combine a visit here with a day of sightseeing in Antwerp.

What will you see?

The story of the site goes back to the 11th century, when the Burcht van Schoten stood here — a fortified stronghold that served as the residence of the local lords of Schoten until 1438. That original fortress was destroyed by fire, and its remains were eventually covered by an earthen mound, traces of which can still be read in the surrounding landscape. At the start of the 17th century, a new castle was built at some distance from the old fortified site, forming the starting point of the residence that exists today.

Over the following centuries ownership passed through several hands, a pattern common to many Flemish manor estates. From the third quarter of the 17th century until 1700, the property belonged to the Schoyte family, and afterwards, until 1741, to the della Faille family. Later owners included members of the de Pret and du Bois van Nevele families. In 1892 the castle passed to the van Praet family, and in the following decades it was managed successively by the Bunge and Bracht families — each leaving its mark on the estate's appearance and use.

Towards the end of the 19th century the castle was enlarged, giving it the more imposing character it retains today. The building is notable for its broad front facade and an L-shaped western wing. On the eastern side stands a polygonal annex crowned with a corner tower, lending the whole structure a picturesque, eclectic silhouette that blends architectural influences from different eras.

The grounds around the castle, lined with avenues and mature trees characteristic of Belgian country estates, are well suited to a leisurely walk and to admiring the architecture from the outside. Here, layers of history — from the medieval stronghold to the 19th-century residence of successive merchant and aristocratic families — sit one on top of another, forming a distinctive record of the Antwerp region's past.

When to visit?

Spring and summer are the best times to visit, when the greenery surrounding the castle is at its most lush and the longer days make for pleasant walks around the estate. Autumn, with its characteristic foliage colours, has its own charm and tends to draw fewer visitors, allowing for a quieter visit. Keep in mind that the castle may serve a private or institutional purpose, so access to the interior is often limited — most of what can be seen is the exterior architecture and grounds.

Frequently asked questions

Since when has there been a settlement on the site of Kasteel Calixberg? The site dates back to the 11th century, when the fortified Burcht van Schoten stood here as the seat of the local lords until 1438.

Who owned the castle over the centuries? The estate changed hands several times, belonging in turn to the Schoyte, della Faille, de Pret, du Bois van Nevele, van Praet, Bunge and Bracht families.

What does the current building look like? The castle features a broad front facade, an L-shaped western wing, and a polygonal annex with a corner tower on the eastern side, added during a late-19th-century enlargement.

Where exactly is the castle located? Kasteel Calixberg is located in Schoten, in the Belgian province of Antwerp, along Borgeindstraat and Calesbergdreef, close to the centre of Antwerp.