Vianden Castle

"The castle was built between the 11th and 14th centuries, becoming the property of the Counts of Vianden. It was expanded until the 18th century, but with the departure of the counts of Luxembourg to the Netherlands, combined with the effects of a fire and earthquake, it ended up deteriorating. In 1820 King William I of the Netherlands (and also Grand Duke of Luxembourg) sold it to a local merchant, who, in turn, little by little sold the castle's masonry and contents, reducing it to ruins. There have been many restoration attempts, but they have been hampered by ownership issues. In 1977, through a generous donation from Grand Duke Jean, the former feudal residence became part of the Luxembourg State, which restored it to its former glory."