The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a tiny state in 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 Petrousse and Alzetta. Surrounded on three sides by a gorge. The word "Lucilinburhuc" translates as "little castle" or "small fortress". The founder of the fortress is Siegfried, Count of the Ardennes.
Luxembourg. Attractions
Casemates. In the Middle Ages, an impregnable castle stood here. For a long time it was called the "Gibr altar of the North". The whole history of the duchy is numerous attacks and the transfer of power to powerful neighbors. Cityperiodically captured by the Burgundians, then the French, then the Austrians, then the Germans. And yet, the Grand Duchy survived and retained its independence.
In 1868 the fortress was destroyed, but many buildings have survived to this day. The walls with loopholes, the fortress gates "Three Doves", Trev, "Three Acorns", the citadel of the holy spirit survived. In the bowels of the rocks there are long passages and casemates. Medieval weapons are stored in these underground corridors. 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 build in 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. They also served as shelters during World War II.
The rocky ledge on which the fortress was founded is called Bok. Casemates began in the form of underground labyrinths, interconnected by narrow passages, stairs at a height of different levels. After 40 years of the tunnels, a French military engineer began work on expanding them. As a result of construction, a huge number of warriors - the defenders of the fortress, along with their guns and horses, began to move freely in the tunnels. A whole underground city appeared with its own bakery, slaughterhouse and everything necessary to maintain an army and in order to be able to hold a siegefortresses.
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, the facilities 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 does it have to offer?
The capital of Luxembourg is replete with old mansions and modern buildings. Ultra-modern buildings fit into the ancient look of the city very organically. Green spaces and parks adorn the city in an extraordinary way.
Among the many attractions is the Grand Ducal Palace. An example of the Spanish Renaissance. House of the head of state, audiences and official political events take place here.
Another significant architectural object is Notre Dame Cathedral, or Notre Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg, a monument of the Gothic era.
The capital of Luxembourg also has a modern area - several European institutions, cinemas, the famous Pont Grand bridge, the Duchess of Charlotte, an international financial center, many museums.
