# Château de Hautepenne

- **Country:** Belgium
- **Coordinates:** 50.609400, 5.399769
- **Location Text:** Flémalle

Château de Hautepenne, also known as Haultepenne Castle, is a historic fortress situated in the village of Gleixhe within the municipality of Flémalle in Wallonia, Belgium. This distinctive structure represents a blend of medieval and Renaissance architectural styles, characterized notably by its construction from red brick and a uniquely shaped tower that dominates the local landscape. Located in the Liège Province, the castle stands as a significant example of regional military and residential architecture, reflecting the evolving design trends of its era through its mixed stylistic elements.

The historical significance of the castle is deeply intertwined with the Berlaymont family, a prominent Flemish noble house that held possession of the estate for several centuries. The site gained infamy through its association with Claude de Berlaymont, who earned the sobriquet "the Fury of Haultepenne." This dark title originated in 1581 following the Siege of Breda, where his army overran the city despite terms of surrender that promised no sacking. Once fighting ceased, the soldiers were unleashed, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 500 residents, an event that permanently linked the castle's name to this brutal chapter in European military history.

Today, the Château de Hautepenne remains a recognized landmark within Belgium, categorized officially among the castles of the Liège Province. While specific details regarding its current private ownership or interior usage are not extensively documented in available records, the structure persists as a tangible link to the region's turbulent past. Its enduring presence offers visitors and historians alike a glimpse into the lives of the nobility and the severe conflicts that shaped the Low Countries during the late sixteenth century, preserving the memory of both its architectural beauty and its notorious legacy.

![Photo of Château de Hautepenne](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Gleixhe_-_Chateau_Hautepenne.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haultepenne_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)