# Vorselaar Castle

- **Country:** Belgium
- **Coordinates:** 51.213200, 4.777500
- **Name:** Borrekens Castle
- **Year Built:** 1270
- **Location Text:** Vorselaar

Borrekens Castle, also widely known as Vorselaar Castle or Kasteel de Borrekens, is a historic fortress located in the municipality of Vorselaar within the Antwerp province of Belgium. Situated at an altitude of 18 meters, the original feudal structure was established around 1270 by the Van Rotselaar family. The site is characterized by its defensive design, featuring a surrounding moat and fortified towers at the entrance that were strategically built to deter attackers. This architectural layout reflects the military necessities of the late 13th century, serving as a stronghold for the local nobility during a turbulent era in European history.

The castle is deeply intertwined with the prestigious House of Borrekens, an ancient noble line descending from Laurent de Borrekens, who served as the Grand Almoner of Brussels. The family's prominence grew over centuries, with descendants gaining knighthood and incorporation into the Holy Roman Empire. In 1911, the estate passed to Baron Edouard Adrien de Borrekens through marriage, leading to significant aesthetic enhancements, including the creation of a formal French garden in the courtyard designed by John Juchem. The property remained the residence of the family until the death of the last inhabitant, Baron Raymond de Borrekens, in 1998.

Following the baron's passing, the castle transitioned from a private family home to a property leased out by a family company, marking a new chapter in its long existence. While specific details regarding its current architectural condition are limited in available records, the site remains a notable landmark in the region. Its enduring presence highlights the continuity of noble heritage in Antwerp, preserving the legacy of the De Borrekens family and the medieval origins of the structure for future generations to appreciate.

![Photo of Vorselaar Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Borrekens.jpg)

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