Esch-sur-Sûre, An de Gäert

Not far from the castle ruins, the Statue of the Virgin Mary stands above Esch-sur-Sûre, having watched over the village since its inauguration on 12 September 1912. Perched on its striking pedestal, it remains one of the town’s most famous landmarks to this day, whilst also offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The statue is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the protector of Esch-sur-Sûre, and was modelled on the statue of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes. According to local legend, its erection dates back to the miraculous healing of a woman from Esch-sur-Sûre, who, following a pilgrimage to Lourdes, expressed a wish to have a statue erected in honour of Mary out of gratitude. With the support of the villagers, the project was eventually realised. The statue, which stands approximately 3.10 metres tall, was skilfully crafted from copper and now sits atop a solid stone plinth that has been in place since 1933. The site can be reached via a path lined with chestnut trees. The climb is short, but steep and includes some steps.

High above the town lie the ruins of the former Esch-sur-Sûre Castle. Between around 1050 and 1292, it served as the ancestral seat of the Lords of Esch and was one of the region’s most important noble residences. Its location on the rock above the River Sauer was deliberately chosen: from here, the valley could be easily surveyed and controlled. Over the centuries, the castle was extended and altered on several occasions. Following the death of Gottfried IV of Esch in 1292, the complex was divided amongst several families and gradually lost its importance. Later, it even served temporarily as a sort of ‘quarry’: building materials from the castle were reused for other construction projects in the village. The site has belonged to the Luxembourg state since 2006. Those who climb the stairs – the site is not wheelchair accessible – are rewarded with beautiful views of the village and the Sûre valley. Several information boards on site recount the castle’s history and bring the place to life.

Restaurant Comte Godefroy is located in the heart of the historic old town of Esch-sur-Sûre, inside one of Luxembourg’s oldest buildings, next to the 927 castle ruins. Spread over two floors and with a summer terrace offering views of the castle, the restaurant serves dishes made with regional products from the Upper Sûre, complemented by international specialities with a modern touch. The stylish setting makes it an ideal venue for celebrations, group visits or special occasions.