Esch-sur-Sûre Castle

About this place

Esch-sur-Sûre Castle is a ruin on a rocky spur in a small town in northwest Luxembourg, with the River Sûre wrapping around three sides in a sharp meander. The town has only about 415 residents, and with its round tower above the rooftops it is one of the country's loveliest views. In 927 Meginaud and his wife Hiletrude acquired the site, where he built a Romanesque tower eight metres square. The last two Counts of Esch greatly enlarged it in Gothic style in the 13th century. With gunpowder in the 15th century, the village gained a 450 m wall with two towers, including the round watchtower. The castle began to decline in the mid-16th century and was dismantled by Louis XIV's troops in 1685. Victor Hugo visited in 1871, and the State acquired the site in 2005 and began restoration. You climb narrow steps between houses to a yard of slate stone holding the square keep and a small chapel restored in 1906. Across the way, the round tower stands on a rocky rise, which gives the best view of town, river and forest. Below are an old bridge and a calm riverside walk, with the castle reflected in the water on still days. The castle lies about 36.2 km from Luxembourg City and 2.1 km from the Upper Sûre Lake in a straight line. The steps are steep and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes. Do not climb the crumbling walls, and keep children away from the high edges.