A badass that this Castle of Muscles (also called Couvent Skyrim) ! Between securely closed accesses and guards with nice Malinois, my previous attempts have all ended in dismal failure. Until the day, passing nearby, when I said to myself "Come on, why not...". It was therefore without any conviction that I went there.
As usual, I study the slightest flaw allowing me to enter. At least, thanks to my many other visits, I have not come here in unfamiliar
territory and the job is much easier. From the outside, I had already spotted how to enter the vast building. All that remained was to
find access to the domain. Suddenly, the entrance presents itself to me. Yes, sometimes I get lucky.
Once inside, no disappointment. I knew that the castle had been emptied and that assholes of vandals had messed up there. Nevertheless,
it was a pleasant surprise. Even without its furniture, the place remains majestic and self-sufficient.
On the other hand, my visit was interrupted by the arrival of half a dozen assh... people who obviously had no knowledge of words such
as respect, silence, politeness, intelligence. It's painful...
As for the history of the place, it begins in the 13th century and was the successive property of several families of the Belgian
nobility until the 19th century. The secularization of France then pushed many religious congregations to come and settle in Belgium,
and one of them chose the place visited today. It is from this period that most of the buildings date, including the beautiful chapel.
However, there are still some elements from the 16th century, in particular the main facade.
Alas, a failed conversion in the 1960's and regular looting left the castle in a sad state. A long abandonment also causes it many
problems. On sale for some time, it doesn't find a buyer. Let's hope that soon a good soul will take possession of it and restore
it to its former glory.
Pictures
Château des Muscles
Let's start with the chapel, by far the most degraded place.
Château des Muscles
Humidity, stained glass removed, completely emptied...
Château des Muscles
... but some nice surprises nonetheless.
Château des Muscles
It doesn't lack style !
Château des Muscles
Very nice vaults.
Château des Muscles
The rose window, still intact.
Château des Muscles
On the way to the rest of the castle.
Château des Muscles
The parts of the 16th century can be recognized by their luxurious decorations. Elsewhere, it's pretty austere.
Château des Muscles
Rose Red's mirror library ?
Château des Muscles
Abandoned ? Hmm...
Château des Muscles
Château des Muscles
The central vestibule, unfortunately cut in two by a recent wall.
Château des Muscles
On the other side. Note the effort to have built a wall that matches the rest of the room.
Château des Muscles
Château des Muscles
Château des Muscles
Château des Muscles
The back of the castle and the chapel, both from the 19th century.
Château des Muscles
The main facade is more interesting, but too exposed.
Château des Muscles
Château des Muscles
The tympanum of the chapel door.
Château des Muscles
End of visit !
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