Koerich Castle

History

Koerich Castle, originally called the Grevenschlass, was built in the late Romanesque style by Wirich I, Lord of Koerich and Seneschal of Luxembourg, around the turn of the 13th century. In 1304, Godefroid of Koerich expanded it, adding Gothic features.

The keep, now 11 meters tall, was once much higher; its base measures 12 by 11.6 meters, with walls up to 3.5 meters thick, making it one of the region’s most imposing. A spiral staircase built into one wall connected the floors. A moat surrounded the castle, and its original entrance was fortified with a portcullis.

Starting in 1380, Gilles of Autel and Koerich turned the fortress into a more comfortable home by adding two 12-meter towers at each end of the south wall. The surviving southwestern tower contains a chapel on its ground floor.

In 1580, new owner Jacques de Raville made further changes, tearing down part of the structure and adding two Renaissance wings. A grand fireplace on the first floor and large rectangular windows still show the castle’s former palace-like elegance. The south wing was altered again in 1728 with Baroque additions.

After the Raville family died out in the late 1700s, the castle fell into ruin from neglect. In 1950, the last private owner, Pierre Flammang, made essential structural repairs before the state took over the property.

Did You Know?

• The castle stands on level ground in the valley of the stream of Goeblange.
• Its keep and external walls blend harmoniously with the Baroque church and old houses in the centre of the village.