Kasteel Pietersheim

After church on Sunday, we decided to stop by a castle ruin a couple towns away from home in Lanaken. We saw only 1 of the 3 moats it used to have. Parts of the wall still exist, as well as the cellars and the chapel. The first construction began in 1150 AD, and it was added onto, sieged, taken over, and in full use until the late 18th century. There's not much left to Kasteel Pietersheim these days. It was pretty neat to see, though. It is a gateway entrance to the Hoge Kempen national park. We also walked to the huge play area for kids. Too bad for Rachael, she wasn't feeling well that day and didn't even want to play. For more information on Kasteel Pietersheim, check out these links: http://www.charlzz.com/en/pietersheim-castle/ and http://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/en/hotel_1759_kasteel-pietersheim.html. Here are a few pictures I took on our little trip:

The hotel at Kasteel Pietersheim. It's old as well, but at least of the last 2 centuries =)

Castle entrance

The moat and the wall, well, what's left of it anyways

Part of the courtyard

I thought this was so cool. This is the upper chapel. The rings are symbolic of marriage as many wedding celebrations were held there.

Holes were made in the wall so those inside could shoot out and protect the castle.

These rocks are red due to a very hot fire in one of the many overtakings of the castle.

Below the chapel. This space was used for religious purposes and for a bunker at different times during the castle's history.

Looking at the chapel

After leaving the castle, we walked along a footpath to the play area. Here, Rachael is just being goofy =)

Along the way were wood carvings of little squirrels and fairies accompanied by these stories. I wish I understood the language! I will.... someday =)

The bouncy house at the play area. Rachael wasn't a big fan. Too noisy!

One of the forest friends the stories talk about

This was a fun little excursion. We'll probably come back and play when Rachael's feeling better. It's so cool that little places like these are all around us! Until next time... Ta ta! =)