Замок Турельбах: A 20th-Century Castle-Like Estate in Luxembourg

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.castles-across-europe.com

Country: Luxembourg

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

Замок Турельбах is situated in the settlement of Turelbaach within the municipality of Groussbus-Wal, Luxembourg. Its origins lie not in ancient or medieval times but in the 20th century, built entirely under the direction of a private individual rather than by a traditional civilization or ruling power.

The site’s development began in 1964 when Pol Gilson, then municipal secretary of Mäerzeg, obtained permission to construct a wooden weekend retreat. Accompanying this chalet was a project to restore a former pond, which was reshaped into an artificial island where the building stood. This initial phase marked the modest beginnings of the site, rooted in personal leisure rather than fortification or administration.

In 1973, the wooden structure was lost to fire. Rather than abandoning the site, Gilson embarked on an ambitious new undertaking: he began designing and building a far larger residence with the appearance and elements of a castle. Over the next 25 years, from 1973 into the early 2000s, he personally expanded the complex multiple times. This gradual process transformed the modest chalet location into a castle-like ensemble that featured stone towers, bridges, gates, and landscaped grounds.

By the turn of the millennium, the property had developed into a notable estate, with a park adorned by fountains and sculptures. Throughout this period, Gilson also hosted a large annual celebration at the castle, drawing hundreds of guests. After his death in 2007, the property was overseen by his widow, Annie Gilson, who eventually sold most of it to the municipality of Mäerzeg in 2020, securing the site’s future preservation. On September 2, 2022, the building and its surroundings received official recognition as a national cultural heritage site of Luxembourg.

Remains

The castle complex at Замок Турельбах presents a cohesive group of connected buildings set upon an artificial island created from a restored pond. The structures exhibit variation in exterior finish, with some walls plastered and others clad in stone, all unified beneath tiled roofs that give continuity to the architectural ensemble. The layout evokes a traditional castle setting, intentionally designed to evoke medieval fortifications despite its modern origins.

A distinctive feature is the tall, round tower rising prominently within the complex. This tower functions as a bergfried, a main defensive tower historically common in European castles, although here it serves mostly a stylistic rather than military purpose. On the eastern edge of the site stands a square, three-story tower pierced with narrow slits called loopholes, which allowed defenders to observe or shoot while remaining protected. This tower acts as the main gatehouse, controlling entry to the complex, with all access routed through it.

Connecting the artificial island to the mainland is a wooden bridge that leads directly to the gate tower, enhancing the sense of isolation and security typical of island castles. Surrounding the buildings is a small park setting that includes fountains and sculptures, integrating natural and artistic elements into the estate’s design.

Together, these features form a deliberately crafted castle-like environment built over several decades, reflecting the vision and handiwork of Pol Gilson rather than the remnants of an earlier historical period. The site today stands as a well-preserved architectural ensemble recognized for its cultural value.