In case you couldn’t tell (from this post, or this one, or this one), we live in pretty close proximity to some castles, and in my attempt to help bring attention to all of your options when you come to travel Europe, I have made a point to visit as many as I can!
This most recent Castle, Vianden, is actually located in north-eastern Luxembourg and dates back to the 11th century and was built on the foundation of a Roman Castellum. What makes it stand out in particular is that it is one of the largest feudal residences of the romanesque and gothic periods in Europe still standing (even if it was renovated, a lot).
The house was the home of the Counts of Vianden until the 15th century, so not essentially royalty, but a lot of family of royalty, especially through marriage.
In what doesn’t make sense to me, in the 1800s, King William of Holland sold the castle piece by piece (I don’t quite get how that would work? Like an apartment building?) until the castle essentially fell to ruin. Luckily in the 1970s, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg transferred it to the State where it was restored to its current (and former) glory. The castle is certainly the most famous in Luxembourg but it ranks quite highly within broader Europe as well.
They do a wonderful job of creating a logical path through the castle and fill the rooms with period piece furniture as well as photos of the families who lived there and models of the different stages of construction the castle was under over the centuries. Several rooms were set up to host banquets or functions which is really interesting. The juxtaposition of ancient tapestries on the wall with the service elevator almost made me laugh. I do think it is wonderful that it can serve as more than just a museum though, and instead making it a living part of history.
Another castle checked off the list!
Xx
Kali