Out of all the castles in the area - and Heavens knows there are enough of them! - Rixensart castle is undoubtedly the most beautiful. Designed by the famous architect Le Nôtre, its formal gardens represent a wonderful harmony of colours at the corners of a buildikng dating back to the mid 17th century. Literally joined to the castle, the Sainte-Croix church was erected a century later, practically at the same time as the vicarage. The property belongs to the de Mérode family, who played an important role during Belgium's independence. The first lords of Rixensart always came from the neighbouring village of Limal, now administered by Wavre. Several Sires from Limal distinguished themselves on major battelfields between the 13th and 16th centuries, namely Agincourt.