Urspelt Castle

Urspelt Castle (2014).

Urspelt Castle (French: Château d'Urspelt) is located in the little village of Urspelt some 3 km (2 mi) north-east of Clervaux in northern Luxembourg. Though the castle has a history going back at least three centuries, today's building dates from 1860. After comprehensive restoration work and additions, it recently opened as a hotel and meeting centre.^[1]

History

The origins of the castle go back more than 300 years when it was a small country property. Then in 1860, Amand Bouvier considerably expanded it. A new garden was laid out, now one of the area's most notable parks with its avenues and elm trees. When Bouvier died in 1900, he left a magnificent estate to his nephew Alfred Bouvier but he and his descendents failed to show much interest in the property. During the Second World War, the Germans used the castle as their headquarters for northern Luxembourg until they were forced to abandon it to the Americans during the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944. After the war, the castle fell into disrepair and was used only as a hunting lodge. Towards the end of the 20th century, the deserted building was increasingly invaded by the surrounding undergrowth.^[1]

Finally, in August 2005, Freddy Lodomez bought the property and immediately embarked on comprehensive restoration work which continued for three years as the building was fitted out as a luxury hotel. An old well, apparently dating back to an 11th-century stronghold, was found and renovated. A second tower was added at the far end of the castle to house a lift.^[1]

The castle today

Since August 2008, the building has functioned as a hotel and conference centre and has also proved popular for wedding receptions and events. Located in the heart of the Our Nature Reserve, it has facilities for meetings and receptions for up to 500 participants.^[2]

References

1 2 3 "Le Château d’Urspelt". Wunnen, 23 January 2009. (French) Retrieved 1 April 2011.
↑ "Meeting Point Luxembourg", Ministère des Classes moyennes et du Tourisme, 2011, p. 45. Retrieved 1 April 2011.

Castles in Luxembourg

Luxembourg City and surroundings	Ansembourg New Castle of Ansembourg Beggen Berg Colpach Dommeldange Fischbach Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg Heisdorf Hesperange Hollenfels Koerich La Fontaine, Luxembourg Mamer Mersch Meysembourg Munsbach Pettingen Schauwenburg, Bertrange Schoenfels Senningen Septfontaines Château de Septfontaines, Luxembourg Useldange Walferdange

Ardennes and the North	Bourscheid Brandenbourg Clervaux Erpeldange Esch-sur-Sûre Schuttbourg Stolzembourg Urspelt Vianden Wiltz

Echternach and surroundings	Beaufort Bettendorf Betzdorf Born Bourglinster Larochette Rosport

Moselle and south-west	Aspelt Bettange-sur-Mess Bettembourg Clemency Differdange Dudelange Sanem Schengen Stadtbredimus Wintrange

Coordinates: 50°04′28″N 6°02′43″E / 50.07444°N 6.04528°E / 50.07444; 6.04528

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