Gaasbeek Castle

Sint-Gertrudiskapel aan het Kasteel van Gaasbeek

Tess Thibaut

Kasteelstraat 40, Lennik

There are special places and then there are even more special places. The Gaasbeek Castle sits high above the rolling green Pajottenland landscape. Each stone is testimony to history and getting there is an experience in itself. Did you know that you can see Rubens' will and his marriage contract there? While you are there, remember to visit the large museum garden, a brilliant example of living cultural heritage.

Kasteel van Gaasbeek

Saint Gertrude’s Chapel

The Gaasbeek Castle, which is set within a 49 hectare park dating back to the 17th century, features both impressive avenues and small footpaths. The buildings are historically linked to the castle via the Baroque Sint-Gertrudiskapel, the Gloriette (pavilion) with unique stucco ceiling, the neo-Gothic barn, the octagon and the Classicist triumphal arch. Along with the three large ponds, this is the ultimate place to unwind.

The Vision of Saint Gertrude - Gerard Seghers

The early medieval Saint Gertrude of Nivelles was known for her hospitality to pilgrims. She had churches, chapels, schools and hospices built and cared for the poor and needy. Gertrude had an extensive knowledge of the Bible and, as a mystic, had visions such as the one depicted on this canvas. She was invoked against rat and mouse infestations, fever and insanity. The saint is depicted with rats surrounding her crook. The Baroque artist Gerard Seghers painted in the style of Caravaggio and Rubens. A reproduction of this painting currently hangs in the Sint-Gertrudiskapel, pending a climate study. The reproduction certainly does not detract from Gerard Seghers’ craftsmanship.

Gloriette - Stucco Ceiling

Close to the castle is the Gloriette, erected by René de Renesse in 1625. The Count used this luxurious garden room to entertain his guests. He also liked to display his wealth with the beautiful stucco ceiling adorned with flowers, fruits, masks and mythological figures. This mixture of plaster and powdered marble, together with mosaic panels, is a combination that was relatively rare in the north in the 17th century. The mythological figures tell the story of Phaëton from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. As the son of Helios, the sun, Phaëton one day wanted to drive the sun god’s chariot. His father warned him that only he could drive the chariot but Phaëton ignored his warning. The chariot soon became uncontrollable and set the earth ablaze. Jupiter then felt compelled to stop him with a thunderbolt. The young man fell out of the chariot and was killed.

Tess Thibaut

Tess Thibaut

Saskia Vanderstichele

Tess Thibaut

Georges De Kinder

Saskia Vanderstichele

Practical information

Address

Kasteelstraat 40

1750 Lennik

Belgium

View directions

Opening hours

From 2 July to 5 November open every Sunday from 13.00 to 17.00 hrs.
The St. Gertrude Chapel can be visited from April to April. October, every 1st Sunday of the month, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.