great hall
(winter hall)
​
(the audio guide text for this room states that the original ceiling was made of wooden beams and the vaults were introduced only later. We now assume this to be overcome and that the vaults are the original ceiling )
The great hall is the center piece of this building which is called large palace. It once was the center of courtly life. Beneath the hall lies the large wine cellar, providing drinks for the parties taking place here, over it were the stately apartments for the countal family.
The hall has a length of 30,30m and a width of 9,60m. Originally there had been 2 chimneys heating the place; one at the end (still in place), one in the middle of the room (chimney opening still to be seen in the upper part of the wall).
The purpose of the hall was for receptions, parties, festivals and every day’s life during winter time (in summer one would move, at least part time, to the gallery).
large palace
What we call large palace is in fact a homogenous tower-like building inspired by the norman-french-english keep. It was an inner fortress inside the castle walls and possible to defend as a last stand. Build around the year 1200, it was the first building in this region disposing of flanking towers designed for the defense of the edifice, but also providing lateral support to the daring wide vaults of the great hall. The facade shows a symmetrical arrangement of the windows, the same in both story’s, priorising aspect to function.
holding court
Feudal lords did not necessarily reside in one place. They had several castles which they visited one after the other, and they were often absent for a longer period due to participation in warfare, pilgrimages and other travel purposes. In consequence castle life knew periods of relative tranquility, when the lord was away, alternating with periods of hectical activity.
Subjects of the lord came to the castle to see the count in audience for many issues and requests. The count would also preside as a judge in disputes and criminal investigation (over time this was more and more delegated to assessors and judges). Fiefs had to renew their oaths in well defined ceremonies. Delegates from other lords, ecclesiastic entities, cities, guilds etc. came to discuss political issues.
Usually the castle was open to travelling noblemen, knights, clerics and traders. They would be well received and accommodated, as they were a welcome source of news from the world. Troubadours and Minnesangers, musicians and jesters provided entertainment.
Banquets were held here, with a very formal sitting order at the tables. The count and his most important guests would preside at the top table. Meals were brought in through the hatch from the main kitchen.
original furniture
at the beginning of the 13th century there wouldn't have been much furniture inside the hall. Walls would have been richly decorated with bright colours and fabrics, and the few pieces of furniture in place (like a throne for the receptions by the count) would also have been painted in bright colours
statues
In between the windows, there are 4 statues representing:
- Count Henri I of Vianden
- Countess Marguerite of Vianden - Courtenay
- Prince William I of Orange
- Prince William III of Orange
all 4 are the modern work of Vianden-based artist Marie-Josée Kerschen
stained glass window
To the side of the well, 6 armories are depicted in the glass of the window:
bottom:
- left: Vianden prior to 1288 (argent shield on gules)
- right: Vianden after 1288 (argent bar on gules)
middle:
- left: Nassau-Vianden
- right: Philip-William of Orange
top:
- left: Luxembourg-Nassau (house of the Grand Duke)
- right: Luxembourg
argent = silver
gules = red