Discover Benelux | Tourism | Top activities in Luxembourg
Take a trip back in time TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTOS: VIANDEN CASTLE
Welcoming over 160,000 people per year, Vianden Castle is by far Luxembourg’s most-visited historical monument and is also host to a range of family-friendly events and temporary exhibitions that any leading museum would be proud of. Its annual Medieval Festival attracts around 30,000 visitors. Constructed between the 11th and 14th century, Vianden Castle beautifully illustrates the transition between Romanesque and Gothic architecture and is a must-visit for history buffs. “The castle also displays a Byzantine influence which is particularly unusual for the region and highlights the castle’s European standing,” explains Paul Hoffmann, one of two vice presidents of the not-for-profit Friends of Vianden Castle organisation. The castle was in ruins until 1977, when the State of Luxembourg bought it from the Grand Ducal family. Restoring the castle to its former glory began back then and is still in progress. 80 | Issue 31 | July 2016
“After World War II’s Battle of the Bulge, Charlotte the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg came to visit the town of Vianden and the castle,” explains Hoffmann. “At that time, the castle had been in ruins for decades and was still owned by the Grand Ducal family. The mayor was so proud to welcome the noble visitors and greeted them with the words ‘The town is in ruins, but the castle ruins are safe!’” Nowadays, the castle makes for a delightful day out, with most visitors spending a couple of hours looking around the castle and enjoying lunch in the new tavern. It is also possible to have a picnic on the terrace or in the wine cellar. Art lovers will be glad to know the castle regularly hosts big-name exhibitions, and from 1 October to 31 December 2016 will display etchings by the famous 17thcentury Dutch artist Rembrandt. “While considered one of the most important figures in Baroque painting, Rembrandt also made etchings and drawings, and
is one of art history’s most significant etchers,” says Hoffmann. Children have not been forgotten either: organised guides can be arranged via the Milites Viennenses association, while in October there is a Halloween party for kids. Without a doubt the biggest attraction for families is the Medieval Festival, which this year will be held between 30 July to 7 August. Now in its 15th edition, the event returns the castle to its medieval roots with fire eaters, jugglers, minstrels, music and acrobatics, not to mention the artisan food and crafts to be discovered in the market. An unmissable event! For further information visit www.castle-vianden.lu