Arenberg Foundation

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• Arenberg Foundation
• History

• Dukes of Arenberg
• Important Dates
• Castles
• Arenberg before 1918
• Duchy of Arenberg today

A Noble Family

A number of great families have marked our past and made important contributions to our cultural heritage. Among these, the House of Arenberg.
From its origins in the Eifel, the house of Arenberg came to influence political decision-making in the Middle Ages and up to the 19th century. This European dynastic family moved its power centre to the southern Netherlands during the 16th century. Their fidelity to the Habsburgs was rewarded during that period by elevation to the rank of prince in 1576 and to that of duke in 1644. The House of Arenberg has produced generations of political, military and ecclesiastical dignitaries and numerous patrons of the arts. Palaces, gardens, and 'objets d’art' remain today the tangible witnesses to this glorious past.
In four chapters, this web site attempts to offer a brief introduction to the history of the House of Arenberg. Please refer to our bibliographical page for further reading.

» Portrait Gallery

The dukes of Arenberg, from Marguerite de La Marck d'Arenberg (1527-1599), up to Jean-Engelbert (1921).

» Important Dates

Timeline of important dates in the history of the House of Arenberg, from the Middle Ages, up to the first half of the twentieth century.

» Domains and Castles

Historical maps of the old and the new duchy. Gallery of castles and palaces whose history is connected to the House of Arenberg.

» Duchy of Arenberg today

The eleven villages formerly in the "old" Duchy of Arenberg are now a destination for tourists.