Castle of Freÿr

Castle of Freÿr
Castle of Freÿr
15th Century
Built by	Guillaume de Beaufort-Spontin

The Castle of Freÿr (

orangeries are the oldest in the Low Countries

.

The castle

Dating back to the

Namur

to Jean de Rochefort Orjol in 1378. His granddaughter Marie married Jacques de Beaufort in 1410. Their descendants have kept the estate until the present.

Outside

The keep was destroyed in 1554 by the French during the wars against Emperor Charles V. The oldest part of the current castle, the east wing, was built in 1571 and is one of the first examples of the "Renaissance Mosane" style.

During the 17th century the house was enlarged by the addition of three wings, forming a square with the original wing.

Around 1760 the south wing was pulled down and replaced by a

Jean Lamour's masterpiece in Nancy

, closing the inner yard to give the castle its current appearance.

Inside

The castle is representative of the interior of a nobleman's summer residence of the 18th century. It features many original elements such as the impressive main hall with wall paintings by Frans Snyders and a ceiling covered by Louis XV frescoes, or the chapel with its Regency wooden panelling and its Baroque altar.

The rooms contain the ancient furniture of the Dukes of

coach (18th century) that won the first prize at Paris World Exhibition

(1889).

At Freÿr the Coffee Treaty or Treaty of Freÿr (1675) between France and Spain was signed, and the Treaty of the Borders between France and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège (1772) was negotiated. In the room where the treaty was signed, first time in Belgium was served coffee. At this time Louis XIV stayed here as the guest of Jeanne d'Harscamp, Dowager Duchess of Beaufort-Spontin.

The gardens

Freya, twin-sister of Freyr

.

Designed in the style of

terraces

on the left bank of the Meuse. They offer views towards the woods to the north and towards the Meuse to the east, and their peace and serenity contrast with the naked rockface on the far bank.

Ponds and fountains babble on the lower level where

orange trees

spread their delicate perfume. Most of them are 350 years old. The trees came to Freÿr in the first part of the 18th century from

Icomos Conference Orangerien in Europa - Von fürstlichem Vermögen und gärtnerischer Kunst, Bamberg 2005). The wooden cases are still built according to the original design. The oldest orangery of the Low Countries

(early 18th century) combines elegance and simplicity.

The upper level is covered by

terra cotta statues made by Cyfflé

.

At the very top of the gardens, the Rococo pavilion commands the view on the Meuse and seduces by its delicate stucco decoration, based on the theme of fertility with cornucopia and Tritons.

The right bank of the Meuse is dominated by Rocks at Freyr more than 100 m high, 340 million years old), from which one has an exceptional view of the estate.