The capital of Luxembourg and the Grand Duchy

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a tiny state of Western Europe, bordered by Belgium, Germany and France. Despite its small size (2,586 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, over the valleys of Petrusse 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 he 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 seized by the Burgundians, then by the French, then by the Austrians, then by the Germans. And yet, the Grand Duchy stood and preserved its independence.

In 1868 the fortress was destroyed, but many buildings have survived to this day. The walls with loopholes, the gates of the Three Doves, Trev, Three Acorns, the citadel of the holy spirit survived. In the depths of the rocks there are long courses and casemates. In these underground corridors, medieval weapons are kept. The capital of Luxembourg, with its main attraction - the ruins of this fortress and catacombs - is of constant interest among lovers of antiquity.

Underground courses have a depth of 40 km, and the whole length of them is more than 20 km. They began to build since 1644. At that time, the state was captured by Spain. For many centuries, the casemates were upset and deepened. In those distant times they served as a reliable fortification. As shelters, they served during the Second World War.

The rocky ledge on which the fortress was laid is called Bock. Casemates began in the form of underground labyrinths, connected with each other by narrow passages, ladders at a height of different levels. After 40 years of existence of tunnels, the French military engineer began work on their expansion. As a result of construction, a large number of soldiers - defenders of the fortress along with their gun and horses - began to move freely in the tunnels. There was a whole underground city with its bakery, slaughterhouse and everything necessary for keeping the army and so that you could hold the siege of the fortress.

In 1867 the fortress began to be destroyed. At the behest of the London Congress, six casemates were demolished, but 17 of the existing 23 were preserved. Since 1933 the buildings have become accessible to tourists.

Today, this landmark Luxembourg's capital, like the entire old city center with its winding streets, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Luxembourg is the capital. What more can she offer interesting places?

The capital of Luxembourg is replete with ancient mansions and modern buildings. Ultra-modern buildings are inscribed in the ancient look of the city very organically. Green plantations and parks adorn the city with extraordinary.

Among the many attractions - the Grand Ducal Palace. A model of the Spanish revival. The house of the head of state, there are audiences and official political events.

Another significant architectural object is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, or the Cathedral of the Luxembourgian Mother of God, a monument of the Gothic era.

The capital of Luxembourg also has a modern district: several European institutes, cinemas, the famous Pont Grand Bridge, the Duchess of Charlotte, the international financial center, many museums.