Clervaux Castle

Clervaux Castle, locally also known as Burg Clerf, is situated in the middle of the town with the same name in Luxembourg.

The oldest part of Clervaux Castle was built in the 12th century by Count Gerhard von Sponheim, a brother of the Count of Vianden. During the reign of the Lords of Brandenburg in the 15th century, the castle was enlarged and fortified considerably.

Also in the 17th century, under the family De Lannoy, a lot of residential and industrial buildings were added.

In 1887 the bailey of the castle, which was situated at its southeast side, was torn down by its owner. He used its stones to build a new house in a nearby park.

During the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944) the castle was burnt to the ground. After WW 2 the State of Luxembourg became owner and started a complete restoration of the castle. This is the castle we see today.

It now houses the local authority offices of Clervaux, a museum about the Battle of the Bulge, a photographic exhibition; "The Family of Man" and most interestingly of all (well, for a big castle fan like me) a museum of models of the Castles of Luxembourg.

So on the outside this castle still has a medieval feel, inside however this feeling is gone. A nice castle but nothing more.

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