Did you know buses, trains, and trams are free in Luxembourg? So cool but outside of the city finding all the information can be difficult. Some options did not show up but at least looking at the stops of other trains or buses can help you find another way to get there. After all, you don’t need to book in advance.
I decided to travel to Vianden to look at their most famous castle, which is of the Gothic style popular in medieval times. Arriving in Vianden, you can see the castle and it is quite impressive. It appears to be rising out of the rocks of the mountain.
The site was originally occupied by a small Roman castellum in the 4th century.
10th century – First medieval fortifications built by the Counts of Vianden.
Major Romanesque expansions, including residential buildings and defensive walls in the 11th and 12th centuries. In the 13th century it became a feudal residence when the House of Orange added Gothic elements. The entry gate was changed to the other side so that you had to enter through two gates. This made a more impressive entrance and created a bottleneck in case of attack.
Gradual decline in importance of the castle occurred in the 15th to 17th centuries. The town only grew modestly with tradesman and crafters.
In 1820, William I of the Netherlands sells the castle piece by piece; roofs, stones, and timber stripped. The castle then falls into ruin.
Limited restoration efforts begin in the late 19th century as the castle gains public interest. In the 20th century the ruins are visited by many. Ownership was transferred to the State of Luxembourg in 1977, and major restoration occurs until 1990’s.
Pictures from the inside:
Steps along the inside of the walls before expansion of the castle.
Evidence of octagonal towers (outer wall) with circular inner wall.
The Romanic gallery is in the Byzantine style and allowed the counts to get fresh air without much sun.
The top part of the chapel. From the center structure you can look down into the lower chapel.
The Prince’s study.
Kitchen
Chef’s quarters next to the kitchen.
The water well.
Afterwards I walked down into the town to grab a bite to eat and find a bus back!
