Castle ‘de la Motte’ at Groot-Gelmen (Belgium)

Castle ‘de la Motte’ at Groot-Gelmen (Belgium)

In the 11th century, this castle consisted solely of a square donjon that was built with a double purpose : as a residence and as a means of defence in times of war.

In 1560 the tower was extended to a real castle.

The castle has a troubled history. It was often besieged and burned down.
The armies of Napoleon were the last to destroy the castle completely.

In 1865, the edifice was rebuilt again in neo-gothic style.
Finally, a complete restoration took place in 1994.

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In my picture you can see that a part of the castle is covered by trees along the waterside, a bit disturbing I agree, but there was really no other position possible to shoot the castle in its whole.