The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a tiny state of Western Europe, bordered by Belgium, Germany and France. Despite its small size (2586 sq. Km.), It is full of attractions. There are a lot of interesting museums, theaters, historical monuments. Magnificent parks with their sculptures and an abundance of castles in the Gothic style make the country fabulous.
The capital of Luxembourg is also called Luxembourg. This city is located on a high rocky hill, above the valleys of Petrus and Alzette. It is surrounded on three sides by a gorge. The word "Lucilinburhuc" translates as "small castle" or "small fortress". The founder of the fortress is Siegfried, Earl of Ardennes.
Luxembourg. sights
Casemates. In the Middle Ages there was an impregnable castle. For a long time it was called "Gibraltar of the North." The whole history of the duchy is the numerous attacks and the transfer of power to strong neighbors. The city was periodically captured by the Burgundians, then the French, then the Austrians, then the Germans. And yet, the Grand Duchy stood its ground and maintained its independence.
In 1868, the fortress was destroyed, but many buildings have survived to this day. The walls with loopholes, the fortress gates “Three Pigeons”, Trev, “Three Acorns”, the citadel of the holy spirit survived. In the bowels of the rocks there are long passages and casemates. These underground corridors store medieval weapons. The capital of Luxembourg with its main attraction - the ruins of this fortress and the catacombs - is of constant interest to lovers of antiquity.
Underground passages have a depth of 40 km, and their entire length is more than 20 km. They began to be built in 1644. At that time, the state was captured by Spain. For many centuries, the casemates were upset and deepened. In those days, they served as a reliable fortification. They served as shelters during the Second World War.
The rocky ledge on which the fortress was laid is called Bok. The casemates began in the form of underground labyrinths, were interconnected by narrow passages, stairs at different heights. After 40 years of the existence of tunnels, a French military engineer began work to expand them. As a result of the construction, a huge number of soldiers, the defenders of the fortress, began to move freely in the tunnels along with their guns and horses. A whole underground city appeared with its own bakery, slaughterhouse and everything necessary for the maintenance of the army and in order to be able to hold a siege of the fortress.
In 1867, the fortress began to be destroyed. At the behest of the London Congress, 6 casemates were demolished, but 17 of the existing 23 survived. Since 1933, buildings have become available to tourists.
Today, this landmark of the capital of Luxembourg, like the entire old city center with its winding streets, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Luxembourg is the capital. What other places of interest can she offer?
The capital of Luxembourg is replete with old mansions and modern buildings. Ultra-modern buildings are inscribed in the ancient appearance of the city very organically. Green spaces and parks adorn the city unusually.
Among the many attractions - the Grand Ducal Palace. Sample of the Spanish Revival. The house of the head of state, audience and official political events are held here.
Another significant architectural object is Notre Dame Cathedral , or Notre Dame Cathedral, a monument of the Gothic era.
The capital of Luxembourg also has a modern district - there are several European institutions, cinemas, the famous Pont Grand Bridge, the Duchess of Charlotte, an international financial center, and many museums.