The Leers-et-Fosteau Christmas Market and the Fosteau castle.

Some 60 French and Belgian craftsmen offer festive items, delicacies and other items in the stunning setting of the Fosteau castle in December 2013!

The Fosteau castle is an ancient 13th century dungeon, which was converted into a fortified house and then a castle.

Situated 2km to the east of the village on a slightly elevated part of the Thudinian plateau, the Fosteau castle was originally a dungeon mentioned in a medieval cartulary from the Lobbes Abbey dating back to 1235. The dungeon was extended in 1380 by Jean Clutinc, who converted it into a fortified house.

The fortified house was successively passed on to the Sars and Zwemme families. It was during the Zwemme family's ownership that the castle experienced mixed fortunes.

It was even seiged and pillaged in 1597 by a militia organised by the creators of the fortified house.

Shortly after, the Marotte family became the owners and started important restaurations and renovations such as the creation of a beautiful french-style garden. The work gave the castle a more residential feel.

In the 18th and 19th centuries more constructions and renovations helped to complete the site.

It is place full of history and an absolute must-see!

Location

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