Our series “My village” introduces you to Mirwart, located in the province of Luxembourg. This small village is rich in historical buildings that have withstood the test of time.
Nestled in the heart of the Saint-Hubert forest, the village of Mirwart boasts its castle, typical Ardennes stone houses, and a tranquil atmosphere. These are some of the treasures that the inhabitants of Mirwart hold dear.
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As you stroll through the village, it is hard to overlook the majestic castle dating back to the 8th century. This building has withstood the passing centuries and various tales before being restored by a passionate individual. Initially serving as a military defense for the bay of Saint-Hubert, it later transformed into a pleasure castle in the 16th century. Numerous families have left their mark on the castle and its surroundings,” says John Eyers, the owner of Mirwart Castle since 2016.
Over the years, several prominent families have taken advantage of this splendid locale. In 1836, it came into the possession of a certain King Leopold I. He played a significant role in the castle’s history. He acquired it through his finance ministry and donated the entire estate surrounding the castle to establish the first bank in Belgium.,” assures John Eyers.
It is a building rich with historical elements.
In the 1950s, the building was acquired by the province but remained unoccupied for several decades. From the cellars to the rooftop, the castle was in serious disrepair. It required five years of renovation to restore it to its former glory: “These renovations were quite challenging due to it being a listed building with numerous historical elements, while we also live in the 21st century. We needed to strike a balance between historical and contemporary aspects.“
Originally, the castle, the 1,300 hectares of forest, and the village made up a single estate. Today, Mirwart is home to approximately sixty residents. This tight-knit community includes Delphine, a woman in her thirties who was born and raised in the village. It used to belong to my parents.,” she recalls. They ran the restaurant for over 30 years before it was turned into a B&B and then sold. When people visited for a meal, they would often ask for local specialties. My dad used to make trout with blue cheese.
The Saint-Roch Pond
Several walking paths allow visitors to explore the stunning Saint-Hubert forest. Tucked away in a corner is “the icehouse,” a cavity dug in 1860, regarded as the precursor to the freezer. There is a large pond, the Saint-Roch pond, situated at the foot of the castle. Back in the day, winters were particularly harsh, and a thick layer of ice covered the pond. People would come to saw off chunks of ice, storing them in the icehouse before transporting it to the castle’s cellars for domestic use.,” explains Jean-Philippe Bieuvelet, head of the Mirwart provincial estate.
Giving significance to the treasures of the past is part of Mirwart’s identity. This village, shaped by countless generations, continuously invites us to delve into its history, with our gaze fixed upon its castle.
Interested in discovering Mirwart? Here’s how to prepare for your visit.
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Exploring Mirwart: A Hidden Gem in the Province of Luxembourg
Welcome to our series “My Village,” where we take you on a journey to discover the picturesque village of Mirwart in the province of Luxembourg. Nestled deep within the enchanting Saint-Hubert forest, this quaint village is not just another stop on the map; it is a treasure trove of history and charming architecture that has stood the test of time.
The Timeless Charm of Mirwart
Mirwart is a delightful blend of stunning Ardennes stone houses, lush landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere. With a population of around sixty residents, the village exudes a close-knit community vibe. Each corner of Mirwart tells a story, inviting visitors to indulge in its rich heritage and inviting surroundings.
Mirwart Castle: The Heart of the Village
The centerpiece of Mirwart is undoubtedly its majestic castle, which dates back to the 8th century. Noteworthy for its historical significance, this remarkable castle has undergone numerous transformations throughout the centuries. Once a fortified military defense for the bay of Saint-Hubert, it eventually evolved into a pleasure castle in the 16th century.
“It is a building with many historical elements,” says John Eyers, owner of Mirwart Castle since 2016.
Over the years, notable families have graced this splendid estate. In 1836, it became property of Leopold I, who played a crucial role in the castle’s history. He acquired it through his finance ministry and generously donated the estate to establish the first bank in Belgium. John Eyers notes:
“These renovations were not so obvious because it is a listed building with many historical elements. Finding the balance between the historical and contemporary was key.”
The Restoration Journey
In the 1950s, the provincial government acquired the castle, but it remained unoccupied for several decades, leading to significant deterioration. A dedicated renovation effort lasting over five years brought the castle back to its former glory. The challenging process required a careful blend of respecting historical architecture while integrating modern elements to create a functional space.
The Community of Mirwart
Life in Mirwart revolves around its tight-knit community, represented by individuals like Delphine, a thirty-year-old local who cherishes her connections to the village.
“It used to be my parents’ restaurant,” she reminisces. “They ran the place for over 30 years, then it was turned into a B&B. My dad made a local specialty: trout with blue cheese.”
Exploring the Surroundings: The Saint-Roch Pond
The natural beauty enveloping Mirwart extends beyond the village itself. Adventurers will find the Saint-Roch pond located at the foot of the castle, surrounded by breathtaking forest trails. Jean-Philippe Bieuvelet, head of the Mirwart provincial estate, shares a fascinating tidbit:
“‘The icehouse’ is a cavity dug in 1860, serving as the first freezer. In the past, locals would harvest ice from the pond during harsh winters to store in the icehouse before transporting it to the castle’s cellars for domestic use.”
Walking Trails and Nature Walks
- Discover the stunning trails of the Saint-Hubert forest.
- Enjoy the tranquility of nature while immersing yourself in local history.
- Observe the diverse wildlife that calls this forest home.
A Glimpse into Mirwart’s Rich History
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8th Century | Castle Construction | Mirwart Castle is built as a military defense. |
| 16th Century | Fortification to Pleasure Castle | The castle evolves into a leisure residence. |
| 1836 | Leopold I Acquisition | Leopold I buys the castle and donates it to establish the first bank in Belgium. |
| 1950s | Provincial Acquisition | The province buys the castle, leaving it unoccupied for decades. |
| 2016 | Renovation Completion | Castle restored to its historical beauty. |
Experience the Riches of Mirwart
Mirwart is a village steeped in history and natural beauty, inviting visitors to explore its charm and rich past. Whether you’re captivated by its historical sites like the castle, enjoying picturesque walks, or simply taking in the serene atmosphere, Mirwart offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
If you’re planning a visit to discover this hidden gem, be sure to prepare your visit for an unforgettable experience.