Kasteel Boekenberg

Kasteel Boekenberg stands on the eastern side of Boekenbergpark, in Deurne, Antwerp. Grasslands, wooded edges, ponds, paths, solitary trees, and tree groups surround the rococo castle. A serpentine pond follows the Luysbeek through the park. Artificial hills, rare plantings, and an English landscape setting shape the walk around it.

The estate began in the first half of the sixteenth century with a house, farm, and moat. Maria Knyff commissioned the present castle between 1751 and 1755. In 1798, J.W. Smets added a grotto, ice cellar, rock bridge, tower ruin, statues, and a Chinese pagoda. The landscape changed again in 1859, when designers connected ponds and moat, planted exotic species, and added the Della Faillebrug.

The municipality bought about ten hectares in 1914, and the park opened to the public in 1926. A former reflecting pond became an outdoor swimming pool in 1934. Since 1974, castle and park have stood under heritage protection. A fire damaged the castle during restoration on 12 August 2022. The Chinese tower, underground grotto, and cast-iron bridge remain distinctive details within the park.