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Castle · Clervaux, Clervaux
Château de Clervaux (Castelo de Clervaux)
12th-century castle in the centre of Clervaux, destroyed in the fighting of December 1944 and rebuilt after the war. It houses The Family of Man, the Museu da Batalha das Ardenas and scale models of the country's castles.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Château de Clervaux (Castelo de Clervaux)
The castle of Clervaux sits on a rock in the centre of the town, in the middle of the Clerve valley. The oldest part dates from the 12th century, and the complex was expanded over the centuries by different noble families, with the white wing and the slate roofs that are now visible from across the valley.
In December 1944, during the Battle of the Ardennes, American soldiers held out inside the castle against the German advance, and the building was almost entirely destroyed by fire and bombardment. It was rebuilt after the war following the old design, and today houses the town hall and three exhibitions.
In addition to The Family of Man, the castle has the Museu da Batalha das Ardenas, with uniforms, weapons, photographs and objects from the fighting in 1944 and 1945 in the region, and the exhibition of scale models of Luxembourg's castles and fortresses, which helps to understand what is seen in Vianden, Bourscheid and Beaufort.
In front of the entrance there is an American Sherman tank and a monument to the American soldier, recalling the liberation of the town. From the street beside the castle you can see the abadia de Saint-Maurice high on the slope.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1 hour for the battle museum and the models; plus 1h30 for The Family of Man.
Best time
Together with The Family of Man, in the early afternoon. The castle's museums have their own opening hours and may be closed for part of the winter; check before you go.
How to get there
It is in the centre of Clervaux, a 10-minute walk from the train station via Grand-Rue. By car, there is parking in the centre.
Tip
See the scale models of the castles before heading to Vianden or Bourscheid. For the photo of the white castle with the valley, climb a few minutes up the path to the abbey.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château de Clervaux (Castelo de Clervaux)
Was the castle destroyed in the war?
Yes, in December 1944, during the Batalha das Ardenas. It was rebuilt after the war following the original design.
Which museums are in the castle?
The Family of Man, the museum of the Batalha das Ardenas, and the exhibit of models of Luxembourg's castles and fortresses.
What is the tank in front of the castle?
An American Sherman tank, beside a monument to the American soldier, in memory of the town's liberation in 1944 and 1945.