Earl John de Marnix de Sainte Aldegonde - that’s quite a mouthful - is pretty proud of his humble abode. His castle is a magnificent fortress with an entrance bridge, turrets and a proper moat, just like it came straight out of a fairytale. The mirror-like waters of the Old Scheldt canal could almost be mistaken for the Loire river. As early as the ninth century, a defensive tower stood here to protect against Norman raids. Later, it became the seat of the lords of Bornem. Incidentally, Earl John may call himself the fourteenth Earl of Bornem. His art collection is impressive and includes engravings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, rare lace works and medieval manuscripts.
