The Arenberg castle is an example of tradional maconry and sandstone 16t century architecture. It is in fact made up of a mixture of late Gothic and Renaissance elements fromm the beginning of the 16th century.

The founder was Wilial of Croy (died in 1521), followed by Filips II of Croy (deceased 1549).

The 16th century pearspire carry imperial eagles.

Count Charles II of Croy (deceased in 1612), was responable for the moats around the castle in 1600. it was also him who added the park, and the lane towards Louvain. In 1612, Charles I of Arenberg inherited the castle via his wife Anna of Croy. he added an aisle.

The gate dates from 1768. In 1876-79, a neo-Gothic chapel was added.

Louis Englebert of Arenberg (born in 1750, deceased in 1820) was named 'the blind count'. Howoever, he was a great protector of Art and Sciences. Professor J.P. Minckelers, the inventor of coal gas, found the necessary support from him. So it was no coïncidense that the first baloon on coal gas got into the air from the square in front of the castle.

His successors had the same love for sciences, and in 1916 Count Engelbert Maria de Arenberg gave the castle along with the 29 ha parc to the University of Leuven.

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