Belgium's abandoned Château Rouge - Red Castle

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Just down from the Tihange Power Station in Liege, Belgium, stands Château Rouge, also known as the Red Castle. Despite its name, it is more of an impressive manor house than an actual castle. The word “Red Castle” comes from the vibrant red color of its exterior walls and its location on the site of a former palace that had been destroyed.

_{Credit: Marakhovets Alexey – Instagram @alexio.marziano}

The primary historical information about Château Rouge comes from the website of a previous owner, Madame Edith van den Troost. The building’s history traces back to the 11th century when a castle was built on the same site, serving as a home for a religious community.

The castle changed hands throughout the years and eventually fell into disrepair after the French Revolution. In 1885, following a fire that left the court in ruins, it was demolished and replaced with the current Château Rouge. Some remnants of the old castle, such as old walls and two fireplaces, were preserved in the new building.

The new Château Rouge was designed in the Flemish Renaissance style, inspired by European architecture from the 17th century. It features stepped gables, a characteristic of this architectural style popularized by Belgian architect Emile Janlet at the World Exposition in Paris in 1878.

Initially, Château Rouge was a family residence until after the Second World War. It was later transformed into a luxury hotel, offering a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, bar, jacuzzi, and 18 ensuite bedrooms lavishly furnished. The hotel also hosted gastronomic weekends with two nights, two breakfasts, and two exquisite meals. The vast estate encompassed seven hectares (17 acres) of land, providing guests with ample space to explore, encounter wildlife like deer and geese, enjoy a playground for children, and secure parking. A chapel was also built on the grounds and continued to be used even after the main building was abandoned.

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In 1997, Madame van den Troost took over the management of Château Rouge, but eventually, due to financial reasons, the hotel was forced to close its doors permanently in 2009. The property was later repurposed as a nursing home for a time.

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Over the years, Château Rouge has attracted the attention of urban explorers who have documented its state just after it closed. The building retained its furniture, carpets, chandeliers, and personal belongings. However, time and numerous visitors have taken a toll on the structure, leaving it as nothing more than a graffiti-covered shell.

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In a different context, Alexey, an avid traveler, and photographer, dreams of visiting every country. He has already visited 40 countries and shares his travel experiences and impressive photos on his blog and Instagram account. If you’re interested in his adventures, follow him on Instagram or check out his LiveJournal account through the provided link.

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Source: abandonedspaces