Luxembourg places
Luxembourg Casemates
In past times, Luxembourg had a reputation as an impressive fortress. This was based primarily upon the presence of a complex labyrinth of underground passageways. The construction of the dense network of tunnels began in 1644, under Spanish rule. The passageways were located at various levels, and some of them reached as far as 40 metres below ground. Skilfully integrated with the ancient defence system begun by the Romans and extended throughout the 18th Century, they soon earned Luxembourg the name of the Gibraltar of the North. In 1867, the Congress of London decided to dismantle the defensive structures of the city, but eventually 17 of the original 23 kilometres of the network were spared. Today, they're available to the public as an attractive tourist destination. Apart from the labyrinthine tunnels, visitors can admire a large archaeological crypt displaying interesting historical artefacts discovered in the area.
Chateau of the Counts of Luxembourg
Though the original building of the Chateau was constructed on the rocky hill of Bock as early as 963, it isn't the oldest structure of this kind in the country. However, it formed the centre of the Lucilinburhuc settlement, the basis of today's Luxembourg City. For many years, it served as the seat of the Luxembourger counts and the head of the government of a small but strategically situated city. In 1459, the Chateau was almost entirely destroyed by a huge fire, and its remains were later integrated into the city's system of fortifications. All that can be seen today is the original Chateau belfry and the base of a stone tower. The extent of the Medieval building as well as several well-preserved wall fragments were uncovered during an extensive excavation carried out in 1993.
Fort Thüngen
Located in today's district of Kirchberg, Fort Thüngen used to be an important segment of Luxembourg's excellent fortification system. At the peak of its glory, the entire network included 24 similar constructions. Thüngen was built in 1732 and received the name of its Austrian commander-in-chief, Baron of Thüngen. The only entrance to the fortress was a 170-metre tunnel linking it to Obergrünewald Forest. A great part of the original construction was brought down as an enactment of the 1867 Treaty of London, which declared Luxembourg a neutral state. All that was spared were the foundations of the fortress and its three acorn-topped towers, which earned it the popular nickname of Three Acorns. Today, the still-impressive fort is used mostly as a venue for various exhibitions concerning the history of the site.
Grand Ducal Palace
The characteristic Spanish Renaissance-style façade of the Grand Ducal Palace is an important city landmark. Built as the city hall in 1574, it was reserved for the use of the Governor, the delegate of the Dutch Grand Duke. Later it served as the seat of the government, and in 1890 it was converted into the residence of the Grand Duke and his family. For this occasion, Gédéon Bordiau and Charles Arendt designed an entirely new residential wing of the mansion. Under Nazi rule, the building housed a concert hall and a tavern, which led to considerable damage to the precious works of art and ornamented furniture adorning the interior. After World War II, the Palace's function as the home of the head of the country was restored. Since then, it has been used as a venue for official ceremonies, political conferences and audiences.
Grand Duke Jean's Museum of Modern Art
The spectacular building of the Museum of Modern Art, commonly referred to as Mudam, was opened in 2006 by Grand Duke Jean, to whom it owes its name. It was designed by the Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei and contains a total of nearly 3,000 m2 of floorspace on three levels. A marvellous glass-enclosed winter garden and a sculpture court can be found on the ground floor. The other two floors are situated underground and host a number of innovative permanent and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The futuristic construction shares a wall with the monumental fortress of Thünge. The impression of the strong contrast between the two buildings is further enhanced by their extraordinary natural surroundings. The museum authorities are planning to erect a bridge connecting the two structures.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Erected in the early 17th Century as a Jesuit church, this cathedral is a very fine example of the late Gothic architectural style with interesting Renaissance elements. The royal family vault houses the enormous sarcophagus of John the Blind of Bohemia and a truly impressive treasury that visitors can see upon request. Every year, the fifth Sunday after Easter sees the celebrations of the Octave of Our Lady of Luxembourg. On this day, thousands of pilgrims come to the city to pray at the allegedly miraculous statue of Maria Consolatrix Afflictorum, who is the patron saint of the city and the country. The faithful form a procession and carry the holy figure along the traditional 12th-Century route, leading from Notre-Dame Cathedral to a flower-adorned altar located at Avenue de la Porte Neuve.
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Luxembourg
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Europe
