Seneffe Castle is a neo-classical style castle built in the 18th century, and which houses the goldsmith’s museum of the French Community.
Galerie photos
Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
History
The castle, in neoclassical style, was built between 1763 and 1768 for Julien Depestre, businessman, according to plans by the architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez. After Depestre’s death in 1774, his widow Isabelle Cogels continued the project, making modifications. The son Joseph Depestre added elements to the park, entrusting the development to Charles De Wailly and Augustin Pajou. Financial setbacks led to the confiscation of the estate in 1798, but Joseph was able to return after an agreement.
The castle then passed into the hands of the Depestre family until 1837, when it was acquired by Alexandre Daminet. After years of decline, it was restored by Daminet, then passed through various owners, including the Philippson family from 1909 to 1939.
Occupied during the Second World War, the castle was neglected by different owners until its acquisition by the Belgian State in 1969. In 1980, it became the property of the Ministry of the French Community of Belgium and today houses a goldsmith’s museum thanks to the collection of Claude and Juliette D’Allemand.
