Château du Karreveld, nestled in the charming commune of Koekelberg in Belgium, is a hidden gem that combines historical richness with modern-day allure. Known locally as Karreveldkasteel, this picturesque estate spans three hectares and offers visitors a delightful journey through time and nature.
The history of Château du Karreveld is as intricate as the architecture of the castle itself. The name Karreveld is believed to originate from Karel Veld, meaning field of Charles, possibly in reference to the legendary visit of Emperor Charles V. However, historical records suggest that the name predates Charles V, with the term Karreevelt (field of brick earth) being more accurate, reflecting the area's history of brick-making activities.
The earliest mention of Karreveld dates back to 1253, when the Duke of Brabant, John I the Victorious, donated the estate to his wife, Margaret, daughter of Saint Louis, King of France. Over the centuries, the estate changed hands numerous times, with notable owners including the Spanish nobleman Don Garcia Osario y Borgia in 1656 and the Villegas family in 1780. In 1930, the estate was acquired by the commune of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, marking the beginning of its transformation into a public park and cultural hub.
Before the First World War, Château du Karreveld faced the threat of disappearance due to urban expansion plans. The estate was on the path of the proposed boulevards of the Grande Ceinture. However, heritage enthusiasts and environmental advocates intervened, preserving the estate. During this period, the park served various purposes, including hosting aeronauts for gas balloon flights and housing a wooden velodrome.
In 1930, the commune of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean purchased the estate from the Villegas family to facilitate urban development while preserving the castle and its surroundings. Architect Pierre De Bruyne was commissioned to restore the castle, which had fallen into disrepair. The restoration, completed between 1952 and 1958, aimed to balance the estate's historical significance with modern functionality, resulting in a beautifully restored château that blends elements of a manor house and a seigneurial farm.
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The restored Château du Karreveld showcases a classic manor design, with the east side of the inner courtyard featuring a reconstructed barn and a monumental fireplace from the Château d’Havré. The west side houses a tavern topped with an Elizabethan-style balustraded gallery. Inside, the furnishings reflect the various periods of the castle's history, with a Renaissance-style salon and French-influenced rooms on the upper floors. The attic, with its exposed beams, serves as a monastic-style meeting room, while the oratory has been recreated in the left wing of the former hostel under a turreted campanile.
The surrounding park has been meticulously landscaped to honor its historical roots. The castle's moats have been transformed into a picturesque pond, and a semi-circular stone flower bed with numerous benches provides a tranquil setting. Behind the castle, a French garden with flower vases and geometric yew hedges leads to a lush grove that shields the garden from the nearby boulevard. The park is home to a variety of rare tree species, including araucarias and junipers, as well as eight types of conifers, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Today, Château du Karreveld is a vibrant cultural center, hosting a variety of events throughout the year. The castle's barn serves as a venue for prestigious cultural events, including weddings officiated by the local authorities. One of the highlights is the Festival Bruxellons!, a summer theater festival that has been delighting audiences since 1999. The festival, which runs from July to September, features a diverse array of performances, including theater, magic, music, and circus acts, with a focus on Belgian artists and popular theater.
In addition to the Festival Bruxellons!, the castle also hosts The Blue Flamingo - Jazz Festival, a series of seasonal jazz events co-produced by the commune of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean since 2010. These concerts, held on Friday and Saturday evenings, offer a delightful musical experience in the enchanting setting of the castle.
The artistic legacy of Château du Karreveld extends beyond its cultural events. In 1912, Charles Pathé entrusted Alfred Machin with the task of establishing Belgium's first film studio at the castle. This marked the birth of Belgian cinema, with several notable films, including the first preserved Belgian feature films, La Fille de Delft and the prophetic Maudite soit la guerre, being produced at the Karreveld studios. The studio complex included a glass studio, workshops, artist facilities, and even a mini-zoological garden with exotic animals such as bears, camels, and panthers.
Château du Karreveld is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Koekelberg and Brussels. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a cultural aficionado, a visit to this enchanting estate promises a memorable and enriching experience.
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