Septfontaines Castle

Septfontaines Castle, locally known as Burg Simmern, lies above the small village by the same name in Luxembourg. It is situated in the valley of the Eisch stream, which is also known as the Valley of the 7 Castles. The other 6 castles are; Koerich, Ansembourg, New Ansembourg, Hollenfels, Mersch and Schoenfels.

Septfontaines Castle was probably built somewhere in the 12th century. In 1233 the castle and village were given to a Johann von Simmern as a feud by Ermesinde, Countess of Luxembourg. During the 13th century the castle was enlarged for the first time.

In later centuries the owners of the castle carried out lots of rebuilding. Around 1600 a square keep was built in Renaissance style.

In the beginning of the 18th century parts of the castle were already in a derelict state. The castle fell prey to a devastating fire in 1779 and burned down.

In the 20th century several owners carried out 'restoration' works which damaged a lot of medieval architectural elements.

When I visited the castle I saw that the castle had been subject to a building campaign which had clearly stopped a long time ago. A passing local told me that the owner had wanted to rebuild the castle but ran out of money some 5 years ago after which all work had stopped.

After publication of this page I was contacted by a broker who told me that there were other circumstances which had put a hold on renovation works. She also told me that the castle was for sale for €5.000.000. A year later she told me that no buyer had yet been found and that the current owner would carry out some basic cleaning work in and around the castle.

At present the castle is private property and can not be visited. A lovely castle, too bad that it is not being used.

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