La Roche-en-Ardenne castle ruins

History

Built on the ruins of a Roman fortified camp, the first chateau was constructed here in the 9th century and for the next five hundred years, curtain walls, towers and bastions were added by successive local rulers as the strategic location on the River Ourthe became more vital for defence against invading armies.

Louis XIV employed a student of Vauban to add the finishing touches in the early 18th century but the chateau was largely demolished in the late 18th century on the orders of the Hapsburgs.

Massive allied bombing raids in 1944 added to its destruction, but today, the ruins with sweeping views over the wooded valley of the Ourthe and the pretty little town of La Roche-en-Ardenne are still a fine example of the changing styles of military architecture spanning more than 600 years.

Lords and knights

Despite the profound changes undergone by the castle over the centuries, the current ruins with their towers, loopholes and dungeons, have retained the imprint of the medieval times.

Activities changing with the seasons

The castle organises a wide range of events and activities, such as:

• falconry demonstrations, recognised as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO
• archery
• medieval craft
• Themed weekends
• Halloween fun

Berthe ghost show

During the summer months, visitors get see the ghost of Berthe de La Roche (the lord's daughter) appear. It is rumoured that on certain nights the beautiful Countess Berthe de La Roche, who jumped to her death after being tricked into marrying her love rival, can be seen wandering the ruins of the castle...