Send Gift Baskets to Differdange, Luxembourg

Cathedrals and Abbeys were built during the 13th century, and Differdange followed that trend. In 1235, Alexandre de Soleuvre founded the abbey of Differdange with the help of Daniel Ochs, Bishop of Metz. They donated it to the Cistercians and in 1237 a cenobitic convent was set up for noble ladies from Luxembourg. Subsequently, women from Lorraine and the present province of Luxembourg who lives in Wallonia also made their vow at Differdange.

Despite being invaded on several occasions, the abbey and the town of Echternach have managed to survive. During the French invasion of Luxembourg in 1552, the abbey was plundered and people carried out several raids and rampages.

The last abbess to take charge of the convent was Marie-Madeleine de Gourcy, who held office until 1796. After her mandate, the Order was formally dissolved. Differdange Abbey was auctioned off in 1797 and later purchased by the commune of Differdange in 1929. In 1981, following its purchase by Luxembourg’s Government, it became a hospital and health center.

The Differdange Castle is one of the few remaining structures from the Renaissance period that can still be found in this area. Many scholars have tried to trace the origin of chess but all of the manuscripts that have been found are not intact. It is known, though, that Wilhelm de Differdange was listed in documents dating from 1310. The castle is probably one of the earliest Renaissance examples in Luxembourg. It was built to act as a residence and fortification, with Differdange’s descendants (the last of which was his grand-son) dying out in 1400. This castle was destroyed by a fire in the 16th century but still managed to get restored. It was later taken over by Anna of Isenburg and stayed with her for many years. In 1794, The French Revolutionary Army committed violence such as slaughtering unarmed civilians before destroying the town and setting fire to it.