The vanished castle is nestled in a loop of the Alzette river, just below the bastions that were the birthplace of the city. The reconstruction shows a profusion of fountains, sculptures, orchards and vegetable gardens, a labyrinth, towers and colonnades, galleries, caves, an aviary, pergolas, and an astonishing bath house and swimming pool.

 

Mansfeld was undoubtedly the most important representative of the high nobility in Luxembourg. Originally of German origin, he made his career in the Spanish Netherlands.

 

The castle reflects that powerful political position. An art lover, Mansfeld had designed his home to showcase his collections of antiquities, paintings and works of art.

Heavily indebted, and in the absence of an heir able to continue his lifestyle, Mansfeld left the castle to King Philip III of Spain. But Spain failed to maintain it, and the French king Louis XIV later bombed it.

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Text by Vanessa Challinor

Source: Luxembourg Times

https://www.luxtimes.lu/en/culture/luxembourg-s-vanished-castle-602d6754de135b9236a663cb

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Our take at the House of Mansfeld is that the decadent history of this epic tale of aristocratic intrigue on the European crossroads still stands as a witness of the rich cultural heritage so uniquely Luxembourgesh. Like Mansfeld who led his life across the complex European borders, Luxembourg today successfully navigates the same multicultural paysage.

At the House of Mansfeld we are dedicated to keeping the historical heritage of our legendary Count alive through the luxurious spirits of our distillery inside the ancient beautiful walls in the heart of Luxembourg.