The Garden as an Expression of Power

The Mansfeld Site – A Place of History and Transformation

In addition to serving as a space for relaxation and food production for local people, the garden also had a representative function: it reflected the social standing of its owner. This was especially striking in the former princely gardens of Governor Count Peter Ernst von Mansfeld (1517–1604), which are considered a highlight of garden art in Luxembourg.

In Clausen, the Alzette Valley was extensively reshaped to make room for magnificent architectural gardens. These were laid out in terraces, with strictly geometric parterres, numerous fountains, and sculptures and inscriptions inspired by classical antiquity—symbols whose meaning was often only understood by learned contemporaries. These so-called humanist gardens were designed to present the count as an educated ruler and to underscore his social prestige.

Mansfeld’s transformation of the Alzette Valley still shapes the landscape today. While the elaborate gardens have largely disappeared, one terrace remains, and those who look closely will discover many remnants that bear witness to the site’s former grandeur.

The guided tour aims to spark visitors’ interest in this fascinating and unexpected history and to offer them a new perspective on this unique section of the Alzette Valley.

Inscriptions: https://tickets.luxembourg-ticket.lu/38831