Castle of Esch-on-Sure

the castle of Esch-on-Sure is a Château Luxembourg located at Esch-on-Sure

The first written testimony of the existence of Esch-on-Sure is found in the “Liber aureus Epternacensis”. In this book of the Abbaye of Echternach, it is noted that certain Nebelungus made gift of its properties with serfs of “Hesc” to the abbey. This act goes back to year 3 of the reign of Charlemagne, i.e. between on October 9th, 773 and on October 9th, 774.

June 3rd, 927, Meginaud acquires by exchange with the Abbaye of Stavelot, the site of Esch-on-Sure and it sets up there a tower of square dwelling of 8 X 8 meters and agricultural farm buildings.

The last two lords of the line of the counts d' Esch increased their territory and their castle considerably: at the end of the 11th century, the seigniory of Esch-on-Sure counts 19 villages and hamlets and extended until Diekirch.

For the appearance of the powder at the 15th century, it is necessary to adapt defensive constructions. Thus, all the village is surrounded by a Wall enclosing 450 m length and 1,5 m broad with two defensive towers. The round Tour of guet is also strengthened.

The decline of the strong Château begins about the middle from the 16th century to finish at the 19th century: after the catch of the fortress of Luxembourg in 1685, the troops of Louis XIV get busy to dismantle the fortified towns of the country.

Nevertheless, with Esch-on-Sure, one did not destroy the enclosing wall, because houses were leant there and certain are it always.

About the middle of the 19th century, the castle passes between the hands of middle-class men who live there and, when Victor Hugo visit at the summer 1871, the castle always shelters several families.

Random links: