Chateau des Comtes de Marchin (Modave Castle) sits on a gigantic rock ledge, high above and overlooking the Hoyoux River,a small tributary of the River Muse. It is in the middle of a 1,112 acre nature reserve and only a short distance from Durbuy.
In 1941, after a succession of owners,the estate became the property the Compagnie Intercommunale Bruxelloise des Eaux (C.I.B.E.) that is responsible for providing water to the region. The area is a protected wooded watershed and guarantees the water of Modave to be pure. Plans on the catchment area began in 1907 and the first water was supplied in June 1922. The water resource of Modave is the most important groundwater catchment in Belgium.
During the Middle Ages, this Castle was the seat of a feudal court. It was the property of the Modave family from 1233 to 1558. In 1642 it was purchased by Jean de Marchin, a great military commander, counselor, and confidant of Philippe IV, King of Spain and Charles II, King of England, who invested him as a Knight in the Order of the Garter in 1658.
Today only the tower remains of this 13th century castle that was once protected by moats, walls, and turrets. Most of the present interior is attributed to Count de Marchin who restored the Castle between 1652 and 1673.
The public can view 20 richly decorated rooms; all items and furniture were actually found in the castle. Many items have been moved from their original location so that the public can enjoy them. Included in the wall decorations are 17th century tapestries and paintings.
The first room we entered was the Guards Room. On the ceiling are 32 colorful stucco crests depicting the family tree of Jean de Marchin. The purpose of this elaborate ceiling was to demonstrate his wealth and importance and to impress visitors entering the Chateau.
Continuing into the Hercules Drawing Room, we saw the long banquet table set with china and 19th Val-St-Lamert crystal, specially designed for the family in 1870. Originally 1,130 pieces were made. Even the silverware was custom made to compliment the dishes and crystal.
As we continued our tour through each of the rooms we were intrigued with the detail and history of the furnishings. There were more elaborately designed stucco ceilings, black marble fireplaces, an imposing 17th century oak spiral staircase spanning 4 levels, and a private neoclassic chapel.
The Cafeteria in the basement is the original kitchen of the Chateau and is open to the public. The ladies there make excellent Belgian Waffles.
Most visitors take a self-guided tour, using a numbered system to identify each important item. Guided tours are possible in English, French, Dutch, and German at a cost of 37 Euro for a group and prior arrangements are required.