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Welcome toLuxembourg |
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Population : 93953 inhabitants Altitude : 99 meters Tours and packages To view the brochure, please click on the picture above. UNESCO world heritage site Whilst the Luxembourg fortress was a true textbook example of European military architecture, it has changed hands many times over its existence. Italian, Spanish, Belgian, French, Austrian, Dutch and Prussian engineers have been involved in progressively extending the fortifications of this stronghold. Traces of their work remain, and what traces! Since 1994, the fortifications and the old city have been classed as a UNESCO world heritage site. An extraordinary network of 23km of underground galleries, the famous casemates, which were carved from the city’s rocks constitute the city’s main attraction. The Grand-Duke’s residence, the Grand-Ducal palace, has an exceptionally beautiful facade in Flemish Rennaissance style (16th century), and a majestic interior and ceremonial rooms open to the public during the summer only. In the Notre-Dame Cathedral, 17th century rood screen contrasts with the 20th century windows.
The medieval houses in the outlying areas harmoniously blend with the avant-garde architecture of the Kirchberg plateau, the European institution area. European capital Luxembourg has always held a privileged position in the process of European integration. Since the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1952, several European institutions have set up in the capital. The birthplace of one of the fathers of Europe, Robert Schuman, Luxembourg has the vocation of playing the role of one of the European capitals not only due to its geographical situation right in the heart of Europe, but also due to its multilingualism. Cosmopolitan and welcoming, with a population made up of almost 150 different nationalities, the city is a real economic, social and cultural melting-pot. Flourishing setting for culture In Luxembourg, the museums appear in ceremonial garb. The Luxembourg City History Museum retraces the high points of the over one thousand years of history of a European city with human dimensions whilst the National Museum of History and Art hosts one of the most beautiful Roman mosaics north of the Alps. The permanent and temporary exhibitions of the National Museum of Natural History “natur musée” fascinate adults anc children whilst modern art-lovers should head to the Casino Luxembourg – Forum of Contemporary Art.
The Museum of Modern Art Grand-Duc Jean MUDAM is one of the most ambitious architectural and cultural projects ever undertaken in the Grand Duchy. The Chinese American architect Ieoh Ming Pei came up with, designed then transformed the Thüngen fort, a highly strategic military location at the time in a strategic location for artistic creation. Close to the MUDAM is the Philharmonie, another architectural gem on the Kirchberg plateau which hosts some of the most prestigious musical groups. The city’s “Grand Théâtre” hosts and coproduces operas, musical, dance shows and plays in French, German and English. Throughout the seasons, the city of Luxembourg offers a range of colourful concerts and festicals, from ”Printemps musical” (music in the springtime), via the festival for unity “Summer in the City“ and the Indian summer “Live at Vauban” to “Winterlights”, whilst ”Schueberfouer”, one of the biggest funfairs in Europe attracts over 2 million visitors every year. The art of living There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate in Luxembourg, which are always enhanced by culinary art. The many restaurants offer refined cuisine and excellent service. The vast green spaces in the Pétrusse Valley, the public parks and thepicturesque banks of the Alzette are the ideal setting for relaxation whilst the pedestrian area is a true shopping thoroughfare which includes a wide choice of boutiques and high street shops.
Enjoy the unexpected active and lively cosmopolitan city which has nevertheless retained a personal charm! Exhibition and Congress Centre LUXEXPO
10 Circuit de la Foire Internationale
Philharmonie Luxembourg
Philharmonic Orchestra of Luxembourg
« Frënn vun der Festungsgeschicht Lëtzebuerg a.s.b.l. » The
modern and cosmopolitan capital of Luxemburg is a definitely
human-sized city. The traces left by history fuse with the
effervescence of current life. This valuable mix is one of the pillars
of the city's identity, a melting pot of cultures with a rich history. According to the description of a French author in the early years of the 19th Century, Luxemburg was an impressive fortress comparable to the site of "Gibraltar", which had the reputation to be unseizable. Its strategic position between the French Kingdom and the German Empire explains why the citadel of Luxembourg was one of the major strongholds in Europe, from the 16th Century all through its dismantlement in 1867. The citadel grew stronger and greater with the comings and goings of the European powers (the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, the House of Burgundy, the Habsburgers, the Kings of France and of Spain, and finally the Prussians). The greatest fortress engineers from all over Europe, including Vauban, left their marks. Today, the stronghold of Luxemburg embodies this common European history.
Since 1992 the association « Frënn vun der Festungsgeschicht Lëtzebuerg a.s.b.l. » (Friends of the History of the Luxemburg Stronghold) devotes itself to the promotion of the major national historical monument of the country, the stronghold of Luxemburg city, through the organisation of guided visits. |