The Castle
The majestic architectural structure of the feudal castle is raised on a rocky spur, the so-called "Lay". The origins of the castle are unknown, lost in the mists of time. There are several hypotheses: some historians believe the castle to be built upon an ancient Roman citadel; others speak of a Celtic vestige. However, we know for sure that the west wing with its manor house is the oldest part of the castle. It was built as far back as the XII century for Count Gerard of Sponheim, one of the Count of Vianden's brothers. The castle was considerably enlarged at the beginning of the XVth century during the reign of the powerful House of Burgundy. In order to protect the south wing of the castle, Frederick I had the imposing Tower of Burgundy raised. Moreover, this huge tower was used as the prison of the castle. Somewhat later, Frederick I had the extensive living-quarters and the basement dwellings of the south wing built. To guard and defend the entrance to the castle, the so-called "Tower of the Witches" was erected in the first courtyard of the castle. In 1634 Claude de Lannoy replaced the smallish dwelling places and stables by the majestic north wing containing spacious banqueting halls and a large knights' room in the Flemish-Spanish style. In 1659, during the reign of Albert-Eugene de Lannoy, several administrative buildings, stables and barns were added in the first courtyard, replacing a former local church. A dwelling place for the guardian of the castle was set up in front of the entrance to the castle in 1671. This building was situated exactly on the grounds where you find the Cafe-Restaurant du Vieux Chateau today. The stables, a huge brick stone work to the left of the "Tower of the Witches", were added in 1721. The administrative buildings and the greater part of Albert-Eugene de Lannoy's realizations were demolished in 1887. With those stones the Count of Berlaymont had a modem and majestic mansion house built in the park just facing the castle. The building is the Hotel du Pare of today. In 1927 the castle became private property. The Battle of the Bulge during World War II left the noble old castle nothing but a pitiable burnt-out ruin on 19th December 1944. This ruin was acquired by the Luxembourg Government and has been remarkably restored since. Nowadays that venerable witness of a memorable past contains a marvelous collection of miniature clay models of Luxembourg castles. There is also a small war museum showing weapons, documents and keepsakes of the Battle of the Bulge (1944-1945). A large selection of artistic and documentary photos from Edward Steichen's "Family of Man", which met with such a lot of admiration and approval in the States, is now on permanent exhibition in the castle of Clervaux.(extrait du guide touristique: Clervaux en Ardennes)