Vianden Castle in Vianden Luxembourg Postcard

This postcard features Vianden Castle in Vianden, Luxembourg. It is one of the largest fortified castles west of the Rhine and was built between the 11th and 14th Century on the foundations of a Roman castle and a Carolingian refuge. Until the early 15th Century it was home to the powerful Counts of Vianden. In 1820 during the reign of King William I of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau, Count of Vianden, the castle was sold to a Vianden spice merchant who decided to sell it it piecemeal, starting with the furniture and ending up with the roof slates. As a result the castle was exposed to the elements and fell into ruins. In 1890 the castle became the property of Grand Duke Adolphe of the elder line of Nassau and remained in the hands of the Grand Ducal family until 1977. It was then transferred into state ownership. It has been painstakingly restored to its former glory and today ranks among the most significant historical monuments of Europe. Enjoy your new Vianden Castle in Vianden Luxembourg postcard!