The castle is surrounded by a double moat system fed by a local brook.
The four-story keep, known as the 'Donjon', has walls approximately two meters thick.
The estate’s 14-hectare park features a collection of centuries-old trees, including a rare giant sequoia.
The 20th-century garden design was heavily influenced by the landscape architect Louis Fuchs.
The property has been owned by the same noble family line for several generations.
The Floralia exhibition displays over one million flower bulbs planted by hand annually.
The castle courtyard retains its original cobblestones and historical outbuildings.
Groot-Bijgaarden Castle is a 12th-century moated fortress located in Dilbeek, Belgium, featuring distinct 17th-century Flemish Renaissance architecture. The estate spans 14 hectares and is best known for its annual spring flower exhibition, Floralia Brussels. Visitors access the site via an arched stone bridge crossing the original moat. The current structure replaced a medieval castle, with the four-story keep dating back to 1347. The castle grounds are privately owned but open to the public during seasonal floral events. The park landscape was redesigned in the early 20th century, integrating rare tree species and perennial gardens. It serves as a rare example of a well-preserved castle complex on the immediate outskirts of Brussels.
The stone bridge at the main entrance, providing a symmetrical view of the castle reflection in the moat.
Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are large and feature gravel paths.
Visit during the spring peak if you wish to see the full floral display, as the gardens are less active during other seasons.
Avoid visiting outside of the spring exhibition season if your primary goal is to see the flower displays, as the main garden area may be inaccessible.
The park is only accessible to the public during the annual spring Floralia exhibition.
