# Pettingen Castle

- **Country:** Luxembourg
- **Coordinates:** 49.771111, 6.106944
- **Location Text:** Pettingen

Pettingen Castle, known locally as Waasserbuerg Pëtten, is situated in the village of Pettingen approximately four kilometers north of Mersch in central Luxembourg. Recognized as one of the best-preserved fortified castles in the country, the site features a thirty-by-thirty-meter square layout surrounded by a former fifteen-meter-wide moat fed by the Weillerbach stream. Although the original fortress dates back to the tenth century under the name Pittigero Mazini, the structure visible today largely reflects reconstruction efforts from the early sixteenth century. The castle is characterized by its remaining ramparts and two distinctive round towers on the northeastern side, with additional corner towers having been added in 1571 before later conflicts altered its state.

The historical significance of Pettingen Castle is deeply tied to the influential Lords of Pettingen, who were prominent figures in Luxembourgish society during the Middle Ages and attended major royal events. The fortress suffered complete destruction in the late fifteenth century when Charles the Bold ordered its demolition in revenge for the family's support of his enemies. Following a legal decree in 1503, half of the confiscated treasures were returned, allowing for the castle's reconstruction. It faced further damage in 1684 when troops under Louis XIV bombarded the site, leaving it in the ruined condition that persisted until the twentieth century. After changing hands through several noble families, including the House of Créhange and the Dukes of Arenberg, the property was acquired by the State of Luxembourg in 1947.

Today, the castle stands as a stabilized ruin open to the public, following consolidation work performed on the walls and towers in 1950. While the southern wall collapsed in 1920 and valuable items were removed by previous owners in 1910, the site remains an important historical landmark. Visitors can explore the surviving architectural elements, including the western perimeter and the remnants of the corner towers, which offer insight into the region's feudal past. The location serves as a tangible record of the turbulent military history of Luxembourg, transitioning from a strategic noble residence to a protected national monument managed for public education and enjoyment.

![Photo of Pettingen Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/Pettingen_Castle2.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pettingen_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)