Château des Muscles

17
March 2022

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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