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Castle of Jehay

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Castle of Jehay located in the municipality of Amay in the province of Liège is one of Wallonia's most significant historical landmarks. The current structure dates primarily from the mid-16th century and is internationally renowned for its distinctive checkerboard facade composed of alternating limestone and gritstone blocks. For centuries the estate was the residence of the Counts van den Steen de Jehay who meticulously preserved its Renaissance style. The interior houses an extraordinary collection of antique furniture tapestries silverware and paintings collected by the noble family over generations. Surrounded by wide moats the castle is set within formal Italian-style gardens that feature numerous bronze sculptures and ancient trees. Since 1999 the property has been managed by the Province of Liège functioning as a museum that showcases the heritage and lifestyle of the Belgian nobility.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Ruine de la Ferme de la Kérité · Château de Jehay · Église Saint-Lambert
Nearby: Huy (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	2	5	9	12	16	18	18	14	10	5	2
Rain mm	81	72	67	48	70	72	77	87	60	66	75	87

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Castle Jehay is known for its distinctive checkerboard facade and is typically open from April to October. The interiors are accessible via guided tours, and the park invites a leisurely stroll.

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Typical hours

Typical opening hours for Castle Jehay are from 10 AM to 5 PM, with last entry about one hour before closing. Public holidays may have altered times - check before your visit.

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Photography

Photography is allowed without restrictions outdoors and in the park; the checkerboard facade is a popular subject. Indoors, photography is usually prohibited to protect the furniture and artworks.

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Time needed

Allow about 1.5 hours for visiting the castle and park. A guided tour of the interiors takes an additional 45 minutes, so a good two hours in total.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with the city of Huy, known for its citadel and old town. The nearby Château d’Aigremont also features another worthwhile trip in the region.

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Getting there

Castle Jehay is located in Liège province and is reachable by car via the N63; paid parking is available at the castle. Buses from Liège and Huy run to the 'Jehay Château' stop.

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Insider tip

Visit the castle on a weekday to enjoy the guided tour in smaller groups. The castle park is accessible without entry fee and is good for a picnic with a view of the facade.

Geography

Coordinates

50.56580, 5.33470

Facts

The checkerboard pattern on the facade is created by alternating light limestone and dark gritstone.
Records of the lordship of Jehay exist from as early as the 12th century.
The current Renaissance-style building was constructed around the year 1550.
The estate was privately owned by the van den Steen family for over 300 years.
The surrounding park features a collection of sculptures by Count Guy van den Steen.
The site was officially listed as a Major Heritage of Wallonia in 1993.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Abbey of Flône4 km · SWExplore →

Tihange Nuclear Power Plant6 km · SWExplore →

Citadel of Huy9 km · SWExplore →

Liège Airport Logistics Hub11 km · NEExplore →

Castle of Modave (gardens)11 km · SWExplore →

Seraing13 km · EExplore →

Grâce-Hollogne13 km · NEExplore →

Abbey of Grandpré14 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Castle of Jehay (10)

Ruine de la Ferme de la Kérité

Ruins of an old farmstead, remnants of agricultural buildings.

Château de Jehay🏰 castle

Castle from the 16th and 17th centuries on Roman and early medieval foundations.

Église Saint-Lambert

Church dedicated to Saint Lambert.

Maison communale Amay🏰 castle

Town hall of Amay, housed in a historic building.

Site archéologique du Thier d'Olne

Archaeological site with finds from multiple periods.

Château de Hermalle-sous-Huy🏰 castle

17th-century castle built of sandstone, limestone and brick.

Musées Postes Restantes🏛 museum

Belgian museum of postal communications and mail delivery.

Musée de la Gourmandise🏛 museum

Library and museum about food and gastronomy.

La Maison de la poésie d'Amay

Poetry and literature centre in Amay.

Musée communal d'archéologie et d'art religieux d'Amay🏛 museum

Municipal museum of archaeology and religious art.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the masonry of Jehay Castle?

It features a unique checkerboard pattern of light and dark stones.

Can the castle be seen from the inside?

Usually yes, the castle displays collections of furniture, tapestries, and silver.

Is there a castle garden?

Yes, the Italianate gardens and the park with bronze sculptures are worth visiting.

What are the opening hours?

Open during the season from April to October, often on weekends and holidays.

Is picnicking allowed in the park?

Picnicking is often permitted in designated areas of the park.

Castle of Jehay: where is it located?

Castle of Jehay is located in Belgium.

Castle of Jehay: what is there to see?

Highlights include Ruine de la Ferme de la Kérité, Château de Jehay, Église Saint-Lambert.

Castle of Jehay: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Castle of Jehay: why is it worth visiting?

The Castle of Jehay located in the municipality of Amay in the province of Liège is one of Wallonia's most significant historical landmarks.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →