Ansembourg Castle, locally also known as Alt-Ansembourg, lies above the hamlet of the same name in Luxembourg. It is situated in the valley of the Eisch stream, which is also known as the Valley of the 7 Castles. The other 6 castles are; Koerich, Septfontaines, Hollenfels, New Ansembourg, Schoenfels and Mersch.

The castle is built on a rocky spur at the confluence of a small brook into the Eisch stream, ca. 80 meter above the valley floor.

The castle was built in the beginning of the 12th century. In 1123 a Count Von Ansemburg was mentioned for the first time. In the beginning of the 14th century the castle was enlarged and strengthened.

The last large rebuilding took place in 1565 when the medieval castle was adapted to the needs for more comfort. During this rebuilding the medieval keep was torn down and the gate tower of the bailey was built. It are the remains of this castle that we see today.

In 1638 Lambert Count de Marchant et d'Ansembourg built a new classic manor down in the valley. The D'Ansembourg family were and are still a relatively well-known noble family in the Low Countries. Their descendants still own and live in Ansembourg Castle. The newer castle in the valley was sold, in 1986, to a Japanese religious sect; Sukyo Mahikari.

I think this is a very nice castle in a quiet setting. It can not be visited because it is private property, as are the lands that surround it and the roads leading to it. Please respect the owners privacy; visits might be granted by sending a letter to the owner.

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