Turelbaach Castle: A Water Castle Complex in Luxembourg
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.6
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- Luxembourg
- Primary era
- Modern
- External website
- Open
- Eras represented
- Modern
- Civilizations
- Unclassified
- Site type
- Domestic
- Remains
- Castle
On this page8 sections
History
Turelbaach Castle is a water castle complex in Luxembourg, located near Mertzig in the wooded valley of the Turelbaach River. Its castle-style buildings were developed from the early 1970s, following an earlier wooden chalet project, and the complex gradually acquired towers, bridges, and gates.
From chalet to castle complex
In 1964, Paul Gilson, the municipal secretary of Mertzig, received permission to build a wooden weekend chalet. The agreement also permitted him to restore a former pond and create an artificial island for the building. The chalet was completely destroyed by fire in the late 1960s.
During the early 1970s, Gilson decided to replace the chalet with a larger mansion designed in the style of an old castle. The project changed repeatedly as the main building grew and further structures were added. Construction continued from 1973 until the beginning of the 2000s, lasting more than 25 years. Gilson completed much of the work himself, and by 2000 the property had become a complex of stone towers, bridges, and gates.
Municipal ownership and protection
Paul Gilson died in 2007. In 2020, his widow, Annie Gilson, sold the complex, most of which lies within the present municipality of Grosbous-Wal, to the authorities of the municipality of Mertzig for 450,000 euros. On 2 September 2022, the building and its surroundings were classified as part of Luxembourg’s national cultural heritage. The complex is municipal property and is described as restored.
Remains
Island setting and construction
The complex occupies an artificial island formed in a restored former pond, within an isolated wooded valley at an elevation of 339 metres above sea level. Several adjoining buildings make up the castle. They are constructed from stone and brick, with some sections plastered and others faced with stone. Tiled roofs cover all of the buildings, while a small surrounding park contains fountains and sculptures.
Towers and entrance
Central defensive tower
A tall circular tower stands at the centre of the complex. It serves as the bergfried, the principal defensive tower of a medieval-style castle, designed primarily as a stronghold rather than as a continuously occupied residence.
Eastern gate tower
The eastern square tower has three storeys and loopholes. It functions as the gate tower, and access to the main complex passes through it. A wooden bridge crosses the water to the island and reaches the gate of the eastern tower.
Nearby sites
