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The City of Luxembourg is the capital of the smallest of the Benelux countries, Luxembourg. A complete tour of European cities must include the City of Luxembourg. This city is attractive and has exceptional qualities that makes a visit well worth the effort. Because of the City of Luxembourg's unusual qualities, many international organizations are located here. The visitor appreciates that this small city is distinguished.
The City of Luxembourg is unusually small in comparison to many European cities. The City of Luxembourg does; however, have premium accommodations. The visitor who chooses to make an extended stay here usually is pleased with the City of Luxembourg's charm. The Lux, themselves, also, improve a stay of any length.
The City of Luxembourg was originally the intersection of two Roman roads. In the 10th century, a fortified castle was built here giving birth to the town. Strengthened at various times subsequently, the fortress of Luxembourg was described as "second only to Gibraltar." In 1867 in the Treaty of London, Great Britain, Russia, France, Prussia, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Belgium, and Italy agreed to the Grand Duchy's perpetual neutrality. This treaty called for razing all of the City of Luxembourg's fortification. The fortifications were completely removed in sixteen years creating unsurpassed parks for the modern City of Luxembourg.
When the integration of West Europe began in 1952, the City of Luxembourg became the provisional headquarters of the European Coal and Steel Community. The European Economic Community later located the community's adjudicative and financial bodies here. The Court of Justice of European Communities, the European Investment Bank, the European Monetary Fund, and the European Court of Accounts are all found here. The secretariat of the European Parliament and several other departments of the EEC are also situated in the City of Luxembourg.
A Convenient City with Good Cuisine
Walking distances within the City of Luxembourg are not substantial. Everything can be effortlessly found within this medium size city. The City of Luxembourg is as personable for walking as any city in Europe. The city's size is such that reaching places on foot is convenient.
The City of Luxembourg has no lack of pleasant restaurants. Cuisine is readily pleasing and improves any visit. Expect agreeable fare wherever one chooses for lunch or diner in the City of Luxembourg.
Shopping in the City of Luxembourg is also appealing. While visiting here, possibly discover some sought after and uncommon goods. Various merchandise is available in shops found throughout the city. The City of Luxembourg is exceptional for certain products.
Watching people is another enthralling possibility in the City of Luxembourg. In the summer, the city's plazas are filled with outdoor restaurants. These plazas are superb for enjoying refreshment and watching others. The City of Luxembourg's park are also admirable places for spending some time and watching passerbys.
Discovering the Vallee de la Petrusse and the Centre European
Begin the City of Luxembourg urban hike at Gare Centrale. From the train station, walk directly across the street and follow the Avenue la Liberte away from the station. In about eight blocks, reach the area of the City of Luxembourg that was fortified until a century ago.
Proceeding along Avenue la Liberte the first important building one sees is the Luxembourg National Savings Bank with its tall tower. Continuing on the Avenue la Liberte, next find the Pont Adolphe or Adolphe Bridge spanning the Vallee de la Petrusse that runs through the center of Luxembourg City. The Pont Adolphe is 46 meters high and 211 meters long.
Walk across the Pont Adolphe, and turn right. The Place de la Constitution is a block in this direction. Some of last century's fortifications are beneath this plaza. The Place de la Constitution convinces that the City of Luxembourg was once a highly respected fortification.
Next, follow the Rue de Chimay two blocks north to the Place d'Armes.The Municipal Palace is on the east side of this square. In the summer, the Place d'Armes is almost filled with outdoor tables used by customers of the several restaurants found on the square's south side. The Place d'Armes is one of the City of Luxembourg's more popular places for simply watching people.
From the Place d'Armes continue east for one block on the Rue du Cure and turn right on the Rue du Foose. In one short block, find the Place Guillaume II. The Rathaus or city hall is found on the plaza's south side. There is a, also, a statue of Guillaume II astride a horse found in this square.
Continue east a block from the Place Guillaume II, and find the Grand-Ducal Palace and the Chamber of Deputies. The Palace is located in what was originally the Town Hall. When Luxembourg's independence was established by the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the government established its headquarters here. Since 1890, the former Town Hall has been the Grand-Ducal Palace. The Chamber of Deputies is situated next to the Town Hall.
Having seen these buildings, walk north to the Place de Theater. From here catch a bus to the Centre European. The European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank, The European Center, and the Jean Monnet Building, the Secretariat of the European Parliament Building are all found here. These are all pleasing examples of modern architecture, and one of the more elegant complexes in the new integrated Europe.
After looking at the European Center, return to the Place de Theater. Walk south on the Rue de Rosse to Notre Dame Cathedral. The first work on the cathedral was completed about 1625. The main portal of the cathedral was sculpted between 1613 and 1615. The wooden doors were put in place in 1621. The cathedral's two distinctive spires were added between 1935 and 1937.
From Notre Dame Cathedral, follow Rue Passerelle to the south. On the left hand side of the street before reaching the Valle de Petrusse is the National Monument to Luxembourg Solidarity. This a monument to the Lux dead in the Second World War. The monument commemorates the trials and struggles of those who fought against the occupation of Luxembourg.
From here cross, the Valle de la Petrusse and continue on the Avenue de la Gare. The Gare Centrale is several blocks further in this direction. This completes the City of Luxembourg urban hike.
Relax and Admire the City of Luxembourg's Qualities
The City of Luxembourg is much like Luxembourg's neighboring countries.
Not much is required to get ready for a visit here, and the City of Luxembourg should prove as relaxing as any city included in this book. There are a substantial number of parks and plazas here besides the EEC buildings, and this is a fascinating place for an urban hike.
across the Vallee de la Petrusse
While in the City of Luxembourg, find a pleasant place for lunch. There are commendable restaurants to be found throughout the city. Savor the City of Luxembourg at a restaurant with outside tables in any of the city's many plazas. Let the City of Luxembourg's extraordinary cuisine compliment the day's experiences.
Try taking pictures in the City of Luxembourg. For a medium sized city, the City of Luxembourg has some unusual natural scenery. Extra effort photographing the Valle de la Petrusse is advantageous. There are also several attractive plazas and a cathedral that make for some propitious photography.
The Grand Duchy is enough different from neighboring countries to make a visit here useful. Although much time is not required, acquainting oneself with the City of Luxembourg is profitable. A visit to this city is a sure success. The City of Luxembourg must be included in one's discovery of Europe.
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