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When Luxembourg’s founder laid the city’s first stone back in
the tenth century, he chose his spot carefully. Sigefroid, as he
was known, decided to perch his fortress on a daunting rock, and
it soon became known as one of Europe’s most impregnable towns.
Nowadays the city’s warlike history has given way to a more relaxed,
cosmopolitan present, and, as a visitor there, you will be joined by
many of Europe’s business and political elite.
Sigefroid’s canny choice of location
was a jutting promontory known as the Bock, and it’s here that you
will find most of the town’s historical gems. Clamber around the
underground "casemates", a labyrinth of defensive passageways that
helped forge Luxembourg’s impressive military reputation. The
casemates were built by the ruling Spanish in the 17th century and,
300 years later, were put to good use as bomb shelters in World War
II. Stroll down from the Bock along the Chemin de la Corniche (known
as the "finest balcony in Europe") and you will find yourself on the
Citadelle du St. Esprit. Enjoy the spectacular view of the lower town
and the surrounding river valleys, before taking the "Wenceslas
Circular Walk" around the oldest parts of the town. This picturesque
stroll takes in the Rham plateau, with its famous 16th century gate,
and the 18th century Fort Thungen. Long before Sigefroid founded
"modern" Luxembourg, the Romans had marked the site out as a key
strategic point. Wander around the Fishmarket area, where two major
Roman roads met over two thousand years ago. Very close to this
historical crossroads, a watchtower was erected in the 4th century,
emphasising once more the city’s status at the centre of Europe.
In the twentieth century, multilingual
Luxembourg has continued to enjoy political and cultural centrality.
The seeds of the modern day EU were first planted in Luxembourg when,
in 1952, the European Community for Coal and Steel was created there.
This centrality has lead to great prosperity in the area - evidenced
by the high standard of living and the many financial institutions in
the capital. Stroll across the Pont Adolphe from the sleepy old town
and you will find yourself in a slick modern European capital.
In spite of Luxembourg’s laid-back façade, leading politicians and
businesspeople can be found congregating in the city all year round.
For you, though, it’s the seamless combination of new and old, and an
unbeatable selection of panoramic views that will make Luxembourg a
city to warm the cockles of your heart.
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