Coloma Castle, a picture-perfect scene

Luc Bohez

The Coloma Estate has always exuded charm. Originally built as a country retreat for prominent Brussels residents, it remains a lovely setting for a peaceful walk. Its breathtaking rose garden is sure to leave you speechless.

A lush paradise for walkers

The Coloma Estate is a real gem in the green outskirts of Brussels. This picturesque manor house, built of brick and sandstone, is enclosed by a square moat. You can wander freely through the grounds, past ponds, and through the charming rose garden. There, you’ll encounter more than 3,000 varieties of roses from all corners of the globe. On the far side of the garden, meander among old varieties of fruit trees. The surroundings of the castle, which now serves as a cultural centre, are really spectacular.

Kris Jacobs

A retreat for notable Brussels residents

While many castles in and around Brussels were built in times of conflict and war, Coloma Castle is an exception. This peaceful spot dates back to the 16th century, when it served as a countryside escape for wealthy and influential Brussels citizens. One of them was Jan Karel Roose, who became the estate’s owner in 1678. His family’s coat of arms still adorns the castle’s north facade. Around 1750, the estate changed hands again. It passed to the Coloma family, a Catalan lineage that had settled in the Low Countries in 1577. The estate still bears their name to this day.