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The Fortress
The mighty fortress started by Count Siegfried atop the Rock of Bock in 963 eventually became a citadel with three girdles of battlements, the inner one fortified with bastions, and the other two containing a total of 24 forts along their length. As the centuries passed the stone cliff foundations underneath the castle were excavated to form a network of 14 miles (23km) of underground tunnels, called casemates, where thousands of soldiers could shelter and workshops for artillery and arms, kitchens, bakeries and slaughter-houses could be housed. The fortress saw many sieges and battles, until 1867 when the Treaty of London declared that it be demolished. Despite this, several sections of the fortress still remain, and the subterranean casements are open for viewing. Visitors can also enjoy a sound and light tour on the history of the castle.
Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm (March to October)
The Casemates, Luxembourg City
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The casemates are a labyrinth of defensive passageways that helped forge Luxembourg’s impressive military reputation. The first underground tunnels were built in 1644, in the era of Spanish domination. The 23-kilometre-long galleries were enlarged forty years later by Vauban, the French military engineer and fortress builder, and in the 18th century by the Austrians. |
The subterranean defensive passages were placed on different levels and reached down as far as 40 metres. It is these impressive defence works that caused Luxembourg to get the name "Gibraltar of the North." After the dismantling of the fortress in 1867, 17 kilometres of the casemates were spared and left in good condition. The casemates have been open to the public since 1933.
The Grand Ducal Palace
The Grand Ducal Palace was constructed between 1572 and 1574 as a town hall in the Spanish Renaissance style. It went on to become the Prefecture and the seat of government before being converted in 1890 into a Grand Ducal Palace by the State Architect Charles Arendt and by Brussels architect Bordian. The building features ochre yellow stone decorated with spires and railings, overlooking a paved pedestrian square. Guided tours are available in July and August by arrangement with the Luxembourg City Tourist Office.
