Gomery Castle, located in the village of the same name in the heart of the Gaume region, is one of the oldest castles in the area. A symbol of local heritage, it remains closely linked to the de Gerlache family. Today, it is owned by Baron Bernard de Gerlache de Gomery, Honorary President of the Royal Association of Historic Houses and Gardens.

PRESENTATION

PRESENTATION The castle dates back to the late 12th century when its chapel and first structures were built. Major transformations occurred in the early 17th century, as indicated by 1601 and 1604, engraved on the southern façade’s cornice and a gargoyle of the keep. Originally, the castle was designed around a square courtyard, with four corner towers, of which two still stand today. Moats surrounded it, and access was via a drawbridge, connecting the keep to the outbuildings.

Over the centuries, the castle underwent architectural changes. In 1817, the southern wing was demolished, but the northern wing, the keep, and the chapel have been carefully preserved and restored by each generation of the family.

Since 1726, the castle has been in the de Gerlache family, known for figures such as Baron Etienne-Constantin de Gerlache, president of the National Congress in 1830, and Baron Adrien de Gerlache de Gomery, who led the Belgian Antarctic Expedition (1897-1899) aboard the Belgica. His son, Gaston de Gerlache, later headed another Antarctic mission between 1957 and 1959 from the King Baudouin Base.