Discover Benelux | Luxembourg | Best Castles to Visit in 2016
Going back in time at Vianden Castle TEXT: BETTINA GUIRKINGER | PHOTOS: VIANDEN CASTLE
Standing imperiously over the town below, Vianden Castle never ceases to amaze its visitors with the richness of its history and its fairytale charm. Enter a world where poets came to look for inspiration among the shadows of unrivalled medieval architecture.
Hoffmann, vice-president of the Friends of Vianden Castle. “It is no surprise that Victor Hugo himself came to this land for several months during his exile… you just need to look at the grandiose structure of the castle to appreciate the multiple layers of developments it underwent.”
oversaw a complete restoration between 1978 and 1992. After a few minor changes in the past years, the dramatic allure of the castle has attracted major movie productions including George and the Dragon (2004) and some scenes of The Three Musketeers (2011) were shot here.
One of the largest and most beautiful feudal residences of the Romanesque and Gothic periods in Europe, Vianden Castle is an essential historical landmark to visit. Perched on a rocky hilltop, the imposing castle tells the story of the powerful counts of Vianden, who ruled over the surrounding land for generations.
Visitors to Luxembourg can access the castle in a 30-minute ride from Luxembourg City centre and admire its unique features. One of which is its doubleoratory chapel spread over two levels, which back in the day allowed the city’s inhabitants to hear the religious ceremonies from the lower level while the lords were seated upstairs.
Starting this year, the castle will host the painting exhibition Cuba Color from 9 January to 3 April, which will focus on the work of various Cuban artists from 1930 to 2015. Another highlight is the muchanticipated piano concert by the young talents of the Conservatoire de Musique du Nord.
“The large feudal manor is one of the most remarkable buildings dating from the Middle Ages and a real jewel of architecture, unparalleled in Luxembourg and in most of western Europe,” says Paul 62 | Issue 25 | January 2016
Today, the castle enjoys a new lease of life after the State of Luxembourg, together with the non-profit organisation of Les Amis du Château de Vianden,
For a memorable escape to Luxembourg’s most visited architectural and historical jewels, Vianden Castle is guaranteed to deliver. www.castle-vianden.lu