Ansembourg Castle

Ansembourg Castle is situated in the Eisch valley of central Luxembourg, near the village entrance of Ansembourg. The castle was first recorded in 1135, with Hubert d’Ansembourg named as its lord. Its earliest fortifications date back to the mid-12th century, marking the site as a medieval stronghold built by the Ansembourg family.

In the early 14th century, Jofroit d’Ansembourg expanded the castle’s defenses by constructing the southwest tower gate and the northern main keep. Later in the 14th century, the castle saw significant residential enlargement, reflecting its evolving role as a noble residence. Around 1440, ownership passed through marriage to the Rollingen family, who maintained the estate for several generations.

The 16th century brought further transformation under Jakob II de Raville of Rollingen, who completed major renovations including the main entrance, dated 1565. In 1624, Florenz von Rollingen allowed the Bidart brothers to establish an ironworks nearby. Their success led to the Bidart family acquiring the castle in 1671 after Florenz fell into debt.

In 1683, the castle suffered partial destruction during military conflicts when troops under French Marshal de Boufflers attacked amid clashes between French and Spanish forces. The castle was rebuilt later in the 17th century by Thomas Bidart and subsequently by the Marchant family. The Marchants also constructed the New Castle of Ansembourg in the valley below.

Following the construction of the New Castle, the Old Castle remained mostly unoccupied for about three centuries. Restoration efforts began in the mid-20th century, led by Gaston Amaury de Marchant, father of the current count. The family’s extensive library, including the 14th-century Codex Mariendalensis manuscript discovered in 1999, was partly acquired by the Luxembourg government in 2008. Today, the castle remains private property of Count Gaston-Gaëtan de Marchant d’Ansembourg.