About Luxembourg
Luxembourg City, the capital of the only Grand Duchy in the world, will surprise you with its many delights. Rarely will you find a country in Europe where so many cultures, mentalities and languages act in accordance and perfect harmony. With its stunning blend of theatre and museums, UNESCO World Heritage sites, architectural jewels and Michelin-rated gastronomy, the capital city of Luxembourg is one of the most unique experiments in harmonious diversity.
UNESCO world heritage site
Founded in the year 963, the Old City of Luxembourg turned a rock into a legendary fortress among the most powerful in Europe of the 16th century. The 17th century saw the creation of the famous casemates, subterranean vaulted spaces for refuge during military attacks. Since 1994 the fortress and the Old City are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
The Grand-Ducal palace, has an exceptionally beautiful facade, and a majestic interior and ceremonial rooms and the city’s Notre-Dame Cathedral build in the 17th century are worthwhile a visit. The medieval houses in the outlying areas harmoniously blend with the avant-garde architecture of the Kirchberg plateau, the area which is home to many European institutions.
One of the European capitals
Luxembourg has always held a privileged position in the process of European integration and the Grand-Duchy was one of the six founding members of what is known today as European Union. Not only due to its geographical situation right in the heart of Europe, but also due to its multilingualism and cosmopolitan style, with a population made up of almost 170 different nationalities, the City of Luxembourg is one of the three ‘capitals’ of the European Union. Important European institutions such as the General Secretariat of the European Parliament, the European Investment Bank, as well as the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Auditors are located in Luxembourg.
Flourishing setting for culture
The City of Luxembourg offers some excellent museums, which include the city’s History Museum or the National Museum of History and Art. The Museum of Modern Art Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM) on the Kirchberg plateau is one of the most ambitious architectural and cultural projects ever undertaken in the Grand-Duchy.
The art of living
Enjoy the unexpected active and lively cosmopolitan city which has nevertheless retained a personal charm. The vast green spaces in the Pétrusse Valley, the public parks and the picturesque banks of the Alzette river are the ideal setting for relaxation whilst the city centre is a true shopping thoroughfare which includes a wide choice of boutiques and high street shops.
The many restaurants offer refined cuisine and excellent service making Luxembourg a culinary centre and it does not come as a surprise that you will find eleven starred restaurants in the Grand-Duchy. Despite its relative small size but due to its cosmopolitan setting the City of Luxembourg offers a wide variety of nightlife in its many trendy bars that suits diverse tastes.
Beyond the City
The surrounding area of the City of Luxembourg offers many interesting sites worthwhile a visit, even during a short stay. The beautiful valley of the Moselle river with its vineyards dating back to roman time and the ancient town of Trier are less than half an hour away from the city centre. The beautiful landscape of the Grand-Duchy with its many castles and small cities and villages are all worth a visit.
More information about Luxembourg is available from the Luxembourg City Tourist Office.