Kasteel Coloma

Kasteel Coloma is a historic castle in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant, set within a large landscaped park known for its rose garden. Today it serves as the town's cultural centre, but its story stretches back to the sixteenth century.

Where does the name Coloma come from?

The first residence on this site was built around 1525 as a summer retreat for wealthy Brussels residents. In 1678 the estate passed to Jan Karel Roose. Around the mid-eighteenth century ownership shifted to the Coloma family, a Catalan lineage that had settled in the Low Countries in 1577. The estate still carries their name today.

What does the castle's architecture look like?

The building in its current form dates from around 1640 and combines sandstone and brick, giving it a distinctive appearance. Kasteel Coloma illustrates the transition from a fortified fifteenth-century castle to a so-called "huys van plaisantie" — a country house built for leisure and representation rather than defence. It is surrounded by a broad moat that today plays a more decorative than defensive role.

How long did the Coloma family own the estate?

The castle and its surrounding grounds remained in the hands of the Coloma family until the death of Countess Antoinette in 1947, granddaughter of Jean-Marie van der Dilft de Borghvliet. After her death the property changed hands and gradually fell into disrepair.

How was the castle restored?

By 1984 the deteriorating building was purchased by the municipality of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. Following a three-year restoration, the Gemeentelijk Cultureel Centrum Coloma — the town's cultural centre — was officially opened on 12 September 1992. The castle is now fully restored and houses both exhibition and event spaces as well as the municipal culture and tourism offices.

What is worth seeing around the castle?

The castle is surrounded by Coloma Park, best known for its extensive rose garden, which draws visitors especially during the flowering season. With its mature trees and ponds, the park is a popular destination for walks among both local residents and visitors to Flemish Brabant.

What is Kasteel Coloma used for today?

Today Kasteel Coloma functions primarily as a cultural venue, hosting exhibitions, events and municipal activities. Together with its surrounding park, the building has become one of the recognisable landmarks of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, drawing visitors both for cultural events and for a simple stroll through the grounds.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the castle's name come from? From the Coloma family, a Catalan lineage that took over the estate around the mid-eighteenth century and held it until 1947.

When was the current building constructed? The castle's present architectural form dates to around 1640, though the first residence on the site existed as early as the 1520s.

What is housed in the castle today? The municipal cultural centre (Gemeentelijk Cultureel Centrum Coloma), reopened after restoration in 1992, along with the culture and tourism offices.

Is there a park around the castle? Yes, the castle is surrounded by Coloma Park, home to a rose garden that is a popular spot for walks and relaxation.