Esch-sur-Sûre Castle

 

This castle sits high on a hill and is protected by a sharp turn in the River Sûre, which surrounds the town and the castle on three sides, providing a natural moat. The structure is in ruins, but the 250 residents of Esch-sur-Sûre can sleep at night since there’s little risk of getting attacked.

Its beginnings date back to 927, when a visionary named Meginaud built the first component, the Romanesque tower. Then, because everyone always has to upgrade, the modest castle was expanded by two different Counts of Esch in the 13th Century.

The advent of gunpowder called for extra defenses in the 15th century, so the entire village was reinforced with a 450-meter wall and two defense towers. This is when the round watchtower, entrance gate and castle stables were built.

After King Louis XIV conquered Luxembourg City in the 17th century, his troops started to dismantle all the castles in Luxembourg, including the Esch-sur-Sûre’s. The troops were kind enough to spare the outer wall since many houses used it as their back walls.

The castle changed hands a few more times before the state acquired the site in 2005. What remains is now open to the public.

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