Gezicht op Château de Strée te Modave before 1890

This is Victor Gaillard's photographic print of the Château de Strée in Modave. The castle, with its formidable architecture, stands as a potent symbol of power and permanence. The spires and towers, reaching towards the sky, echo the ancient ziggurats of Mesopotamia. The ziggurats were not merely structures, but also symbols of humanity's yearning to connect with the divine. We see a similar desire manifest in the architecture of castles like Strée. These structures evoke feelings of awe and perhaps even intimidation. This mirrors the psychological impact of the ziggurats, which served to inspire reverence and convey the power of the ruling class. This imposing edifice, set against the backdrop of nature, reminds us of humanity's perpetual quest for dominion and order amidst the chaos of existence. These symbols resonate across time, reflecting our enduring psychological need for structure, control, and a connection to something greater than ourselves.