The royal grounds in Ciergnon were bought by King Leopold I in 1840. He had a hunting lodge built on a hill, overlooking the river Lesse.
Later king Leopold II changed the lodge into a new castle, designed by architect Alphonse Balat.
In 1960 Ciergnon was the setting for the official presentation of King Baudouin's fiancée, doña Fabiola de Mora y Aragon.
In 1993 Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko of Japan were received at Ciergnon by King Baudouin & Queen Fabiola.
Nowadays the castle is only used for private weekends and holidays.
When Albert II was king, Queen Paola undertook thorough interior renovations and skillfully redecorated the castle. She also redesigned the terrace gardens around the castle.
The use of the castle is reserved to the reigning King or Queen.
Between 2001 and 2008, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde had their 4 children baptized in the private chapel on the castle grounds.
The castle of Ciergnon is just a few kilometers from another royal residence, the castle of Fenffe.
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