Useldange Castle in Luxembourg

Useldange Castle

Ruin in Useldange, Luxembourg

French: Château d'UseldangeGerman: Burg UseldingenLuxembourgish: Buerg Useldeng

Type
Ruin
Location
Useldange
Built
1100
Entry
Free or not listed
Visit time
1.5 h
Access
Open to visitors
Open to visitorsFamily friendlyWheelchair notedParkingCafé on site7 photos

About Useldange Castle

The division of estates created the lordship of Useldange around the year 1100.

The first Lord was Theobald of Useldange and his wife Azeka. This dynasty became extinct around 1250. John of Rodemacher becomes the legitimate lord of the manor by his marriage to Irmgart of Boulay in 1415. Due to intrigues in the course of the war between France and Burgundy the Rodemachers didn't survive for long. Maximilian Ist confiscated Useldingen in 1479 and handed it over to Christopher of Baden. As a result of these upheavals, the castle and chapel suffered serious damage. William of Nassau-Vianden inherited the stronghold only to sell it to François Sebastian Bauer of Everlange in 1674. There follows a period when the feudal castle falls into total ruin ending up as a stone quarry. The chapel was demolished in 1903.

Mrs Kuhn-Wolff, a native of Useldange who had emigrated to the United States at the age of 18, purchased the ruins in 1924 and returned to Useldange to renovate the castle. Although the new owners started strengthening the walls and the keep, they did not respect the original architecture and by 1934 the large entrance gate and palace were replaced by a modern villa which is used today as the town hall.

A cultural itinerary for the partially sighted

A trail for partially sighted visitors has been set up under the patronage of UNESCO. It leads around the castle and inside the tower and presents local culture in sixteen stages. The partially sighted are literally offered the opportunity to feel, hear and touch History.

The cultural itinerary also aims to present the local wildlife and integrates the aromatic herbgarden to encourage visitors to discover the great variety of local plants and herbs - well marked by specially designed pannels for partially sighted visitors.

Admission is free for self-guided tours.

History

The castle appears to date from the 12th century when the lordship of Useldange was created. One of the early lords was Théobald d'Useldange. After the dynasty died out in the middle of the 13th century, Jean de Rodemacher became the legitimate proprietor in 1415 by marriage with Irmgard de Boulay. In 1479, Maximilian I confiscated the property and charged Christopher of Baden with its upkeep. As a result of the war between France and Burgundy, the castle and its chapel were seriously damaged. William of Nassau-Vianden, who inherited the castle, sold it to François-Sébastien Baur of Everlange in 1674. The castle fell increasingly into disrepair and the chapel was destroyed in 1903.

In 1924, American immigrant Mrs. Emma (Wolff) Kuhn, originally from Useldange, returned to buy the ruined castle. After consolidating the walls in 1934, the family went on to build a modern property over the ruins of the castle's palace. It has now become the town hall. The castle is being restored by the State of Luxembourg.

Visiting & Practical Information

Opening hours

Monday08:00-19:00
Tuesday08:00-19:00
Wednesday08:00-19:00
Thursday08:00-19:00
Friday08:00-19:00
Saturday08:00-19:00
Sunday08:00-19:00

Open months: January, February.

Good to know

  • Entry: Free or not listed
  • Typical visit: 1.5 h
  • Accessibility: Castle is accessible via ramps and lifts.
  • Note: The castle is a must-visit for history aficionados.
  • Address: rue de l'Église, 2, Useldange, L-8706, Luxembourg
  • Official site: www.visitguttland.lu

Useldange Castle in Photos

Private Tours Visiting Useldange Castle

See Useldange Castle with a private local guide, hotel pickup from Luxembourg City and a route paced around you.

Misty Esch-sur-Sûre castle ruins on a Luxembourg legends tour
4 hours approx.

Haunted Castles & Ghost Legends

A private storytelling tour through Beaufort, Esch-sur-Sûre and Useldange, blending medieval history, folklore and atmospheric ghost legends.

  • Legends
  • Beaufort
  • Folklore
View Tour

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