Hundreds of locals have been the first to discover the marvels of Westmalle Castle and its estate. The municipality of Malle, Antwerp Province and the Kempen Landscape Foundation recently purchased castle and estate. The castle and estate are soon to be renovated and opened to the public at large. Before the estate closes to allow the renovation work to proceed the local municipality decided to allow local residents to visit.
Tickets were sold out in no time. A second opportunity to make a unique viewing of the premises is planned for 23 March, but again that is limited to local residents.
Visitors, who managed to squeeze in, were ecstatic: “I never imaged I would find so much history here,” said Herman Vermeiren. “The rooms people lived in, but also the tapestries and paintings are exquisite”.
The castle and estate are now closing for renovation. The reopening is planned for spring 2025.