Tiny Luxembourg is located between Germany, France and Belgium. Its territory covers just over 2500 square kilometers. It is the second smallest member of the European Union. And although the country lacks in size, it is supplemented by economic development and cultural and historical heritage. The state is classified as the world's last Grand Duchy, and the Luxembourg Palace of the Grand Duke, the home of the Grand Duke, is considered one of the main attractions of the country.
History
The residence of the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (the palace of the Grand Duke) was built in the 16th century and was originally used as a city hall. Over the centuries, the building was rebuilt and repaired several times. In 1890, an architect from Brussels, Charles Arendt, transformed the city hall into the home of the monarchs. From this moment the rulers of the country live here, and since 1977, the Tourist Information Bureau of Luxembourg in the summer has been organizing excursions for everyone. After a long renovation in the fall of 2015, the house of the head of state of Luxembourg (the palace of the Grand Duke) officially reopened its doors to a curious public.
Architecture: interior and exterior
The current appearance of the building demonstrates the best traditions of the Flemish architectural renaissance in the country. The interior of the palace impresses with luxurious wide marble staircases and huge bright rooms. The emphasis in the interior is on the gold trim and curtains. Huge chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the walls are decorated with old paintings placed in dense, heavy gilded frames.
Among other things, you will see a room for official receptions and an entrance to a two-sided balcony, where on special occasions the Grand Duke's family welcomes the population. Also available for viewing are the office of the Grand Dukes and the dining room. An impressive staircase leads to the second floor. There you will see family portraits and old maps, carpets and other artifacts that have witnessed past centuries.
In fact, the Grand Duke does not actually live in the palace. He lives in a castle in Colmar Berg, which is about a 35-minute drive from the city center. And the head of state of Luxembourg (the palace of the Grand Duke) uses his residence for official events. It hosts the heads of foreign states and holds banquets throughout the year.
What is remarkable
The palace is guarded by the armed forces of Luxembourg, and the changing of the guard has become quite a spectacular event. If you are in Luxembourg from July to September, you can certainly attend the ceremony, which takes place outside the front of the building. Groups of guards move their heads proudly in perfect sync. As one would expect, the military will change places to the sound of fanfare. Replaced soldiers depart from the palace through the nearby streets.
Spend some time exploring the lavishly furnished palace, visit the old quarters of the city and the fortifications. This is the perfect place to capture Luxembourg, the palace of the Grand Duke. Photos and videos will remind you of an amazing journey for a long time to come.
When to visit?
Before you go to the Palace of the Grand Duke, it would be nice to study some useful information about the visit:
- So, the tour lasts about 45 minutes. Booking a tour is highly recommended in advance, as the maximum number of group members is 40.
- Excursions are held daily except Wednesday. It is also possible to reserve excursions in several languages.
- Admission for adults is 10 €, half for children. The proceeds from the sale of tickets go to charity. Please note that tickets can only be purchased at the Tourist Information Office in Luxembourg City, on Guillaume II Square.
This is how the residence of the head of state of Luxembourg (the palace of the Grand Duke) looks briefly