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Top Attractions in Luxembourg |
The Chateau of the Counts of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City
Perched on a jutting promontory known as the Bock, the castle of the counts of Luxembourg dates to 963. Ravaged by fire in 1459, the ruins of the castle were incorporated into a new system of fortifications at the Bock. Archaeological excavations carried out in 1993 revealed several elements of the original chateau. An archaeological crypt retraces the history of the chateau and the fortress.
The Casemates, Luxembourg City
The casemates are a labyrinth of defensive passageways that helped forge Luxembourg’s impressive military reputation. The first underground tunnels were built in 1644, in the era of Spanish domination. The 23-kilometre-long galleries were enlarged forty years later by Vauban, the French military engineer and fortress builder, and in the 18th century by the Austrians. The subterranean defensive passages were placed on different levels and reached down as far as 40 metres. It is these impressive defence works that caused Luxembourg to get the name "Gibraltar of the North." After the dismantling of the fortress in 1867, 17 kilometres of the casemates were spared and left in good condition. The casemates have been open to the public since 1933 so go and explore!
Website: The Casements
Tour of the Valley of the Seven Castles
The real name of the Valley of the Seven Castles is the Valley of the Eisch River. This small triangular area north-west of Luxembourg City is home to one of Europe’s most scenic and spectacular concentrations of castles. Take the N4 westwards from Luxembourg City to Steinfort, the entrance to the valley. Journey eastwards to Koerich and visit its ruined medieval castle. Then follow the course of the river with its imposing castles on both sides. The region offers excellent country inns and small hotels in all price ranges.
The Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg City
The Grand Ducal Palace was constructed between 1572 and 1574 as a town hall in the Spanish Renaissance style. It went on to become the Prefecture and the seat of government before being converted in 1890 into a Grand Ducal Palace by the State Architect Charles Arendt and by Brussels architect Bordian. You can visit the palace from 15 July to 2 September.
The Petrusse Express
A special open-air tourist train called the 'Petrusse Express' offers frequent guided tours through the Petrusse Valley (from which many of the remaining fortifications can easily be viewed), giving visitors an insight into life in the former fortress, with commentaries in several languages. The train departs from underneath one of the arches of the Pont Adolphe viaduct.
The Moselle Valley
The Moselle Valley is Luxembourg’s vineyard and winery region. The gentle slopes on both sides of the Moselle River are covered in vineyards. Step into the region’s wineries and they’ll take you on a guided tour and explain just how their still and sparkling wines are made. Make sure and sample some! Luxembourg’s only casino and a well-known health spa are located in Mondarf-les-Bains in the south of this region.
The Market at Place Guillaume, Luxembourg City
Place Guillaume is a riot of colour every Wednesday and Saturday when a market selling flowers, vegetables and a wide assortment of other goods goes into full swing. Sharpen your bargaining skills and join in the fun!
The US Military Cemetery
The US Military Cemetery lies 5 kilometres east of Luxembourg City. It is the final resting place of more than 5,076 of the 10,000 American troops who fought in Luxembourg during World War II. There are 101 graves of unknown soldiers and airment, and 22 pairs of brothers buried side by side. The identical graves are arranged without regard to rank, religion, race, or place of origin with the exception of the grave of General George Patton. The German Military Cemetery lies a mile away.
To get to the US Cemetery take bus no.5 from the Gare Centrale. If driving take the Boulevard General Patton East which becomes the E42 as you leave town.
National Museum of Art and History, Luxembourg City
This museum on Marchι-aux-Poissons showcases interesting archaeological, geological, and historical exhibits as well as the superb Bentinek-Thyssen Collection of works of art by 15th to 18th-century Low Countries artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Breughel, Rembrandt and others.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg City
Built between 1613 and 1621, this magnificent Gothic cathedral houses the royal family vault and the large sarchophagus of John the Blind as a well as a notable treasury. The treasury can be viewed on request. The charming annual Octave of Our Lady of Luxembourg takes place here every year on the fifth Sunday after Easter. Thousands of pilgrims gather to pray to the miraculous statue of the Holy Virgin for protection. They then form a procession to carry the statue from the cathedral through the streets to an altar covered in flowers in the Avenue de la Porte Neuve.
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