Larochette Castle
Ruin in Larochette, Luxembourg
French: Château de LarochetteGerman: Burg FelsLuxembourgish: Buerg Fiels
- Type
- Ruin
- Location
- Larochette
- Built
- 1090
- Entry
- €7
- Visit time
- 1.5 h
- Access
- Open to visitors
About Larochette Castle
The castle overlooks the picturesque village of Larochette, giving it a very special character. The first buildings on the site date from the 11th century and are situated on a promontory of Luxembourg sandstone and dominate the valley of the Ernz Blanche, a tributary of the Sûre, by about 50 metres. A fire in 1565 reduced all the buildings on the site to ruins. The house in Créhange is the only one to have been restored in a more consistent manner during the 1980s.
Temporary art exhibitions and occasional concerts fill the historic walls with life.
Nearest parking: on site, at the entrance to the site.
Nearest bus stop: Larochette, Spuerkeess (300 m)
History
The earliest references to the castle are from the end of the 11th century and during the 12th century when the lords of Larochette (Van der Feltz) were flag bearers for the counts of Luxembourg. The family proliferated leading to the construction of the five stately houses which are separate from the main structure. They include the Homburg Manor (1350) and the Créhange Manor (1385) both of which have now been restored. The Verlorenkost (literally Lost Food) watchtower also stands alone on the south side. The legend goes that the cook was carrying pots full of food when she stumbled, breaking everything.
The Créhange manor now contains period artwork. There is a well inside which also has its legend, telling how the lady of the castle jumped into the well with her child while the castle was under attack. After rescuing the brave woman, the invaders accused the steward of the castle of treason and threw him into the well. It is said that he reappears every Good Friday in the form of a dragon.
Visiting & Practical Information
Opening hours
| Monday | 10:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00-17:00 |
Open months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.
Good to know
- Entry: €7
- Typical visit: 1.5 h
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility due to stairs and uneven ground.
- Note: Open to the public.
- Events: Temporary art exhibitions and occasional concerts fill the historic walls with life.
- Address: Montée du Château, Larochette, L-7622, Luxembourg
- Official site: chateaularochette.lu
Larochette Castle in Photos
See Larochette Castle on a Private Tour
Recommended route: Custom castle and Müllerthal route. Dramatic ruins above a compact town. Walking: Uphill access and ruin surfaces.
