Monuments to visit Luxembourg

The birthplace of Robert Schuman, the "Father of Europe", lies on the heights of Clausen. Since 1990 it has been the seat of the European Studies and Research Centre Robert Schuman (ECRE). Its main objectives are scientific research into the history of the European integration process, on the one hand, and the contribution to an explanation of the historic position of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in the construction of a united Europe.

Located in the center of the small town, the castle of Mersch has long since lost its ramparts and its moat. Of simple appearance, made of stone and slate roof, preceded by a rural outbuilding with a typical red-pink color, it has been the object of numerous restorations over the centuries. Today it is the first stop in the Valley of the Seven Castles. Its construction dates back to the Middle Ages, in 1232, when Theodoric I became the founder of the lordship of Mersch. However, the fortress was stormed by Burgundian troops and burned down. It was then rebuilt for the first time. In 1304, the first noble family of Mersch died out for lack of male lineage. Through successive marriages, the lordship passed into the hands of numerous families: Milberg, Kerpen-Manders-cheid, Brandenburg, Feltz, Autel, Mohr von Waldt, Reinach, Sonnenberg. The last noble owners, the Von Sonnenberg-Reinach, sold the castle in 1898 to a wholesale trader Charles Schwartz-Hallinger. In 1927 it became the property of a bailiff, Pierre Uhres-Fabritius.

Then, in 1957, the municipality acquired the castle, before selling it to the State just three years later. But thanks to an exchange contract signed in 1988, the commune regained ownership of the castle. In 1993, after extensive renovations, the castle became the seat of the municipal administration. Today it houses the administrative offices of the municipality. It is therefore not possible to visit the interior.

Château de Bettendorf belongs to this category of private buildings and estates, very common in Luxembourg. Construction of the castle began in the ^13th century, and it has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. Its first function was to manage the surrounding land, but it later became a holiday resort for the lower nobility and then the bourgeoisie. Its small moat, towers and thick walls are typical of Luxembourg castle architecture. Now privately owned, it is not open to the public.

Directly adjacent to the National Library of Luxembourg, the media library offers a wide range of multi-media information and entertainment documents. Here you will find books, newspapers, comic strips, CDs, etc. The documents are available for home loan or on-site consultation and can be freely consulted. A reference address in Luxembourg's cultural and educational life, located on the Kirchberg plateau.

Of the original fortified castle first mentioned in the second half of the 12th century, only the chapel, the moat and part of the surrounding wall remain. It has indeed been destroyed several times. The present building dates from 1880 and was erected in neo-Renaissance style by the Count of Arenberg according to the plans of the architect Charles Arendt. Today it is a private residence that cannot be visited. However, the local path L2 along the brook "Manzebaach" allows you to take a look.

This beautiful manor house bears the name of its former owner, Pierre d'Osbourg. At the beginning of the th century, this gentleman donated all his property to the city and founded one of the first civil hospices in Luxembourg. On the wall of the perron, you can see the city's coat of arms. The building was housed in the Christian doctrine of the Christian Doctrine until 1980. There are also classrooms in the rooms. Today, the house houses the municipal music school.

Blannen Theis, who plays a tune on his violin, has become one of Grevenmacher's most legendary figures. Created in 1991 by the Luxembourg artist Will Lofy, the bronze statue depicts the singer Mathias Schou with his dog. Born in 1747 in Grevenmacher, this artist was either visually impaired or blind, and is said to have been the first to make the Luxembourg language known through the songs he performed at festivals and fairs, a practice that was not at all popular at the time. He died in 1824 in Eich.

As a platform for exchange for all those involved in architecture, engineering, urban planning, landscape and land-use planning, each year LUCA puts together a wide-ranging program to address the issues and challenges posed today by the production of the built environment. Exhibitions, conferences, debates, study tours, educational workshops and guided tours are just some of the many activities on offer.

Schoenfels was first mentioned in 846. The name has evolved over the centuries, through a number of variants, but it probably derives from scindula (shingle, shingles, shingle-making...), Schindel or Schinder (squarers). Schoenfels Castle dates back to 1292. It was built before the era of artillery by Ferri, also known as Friedrich von Schoenfels. It was then passed down through marriage to the Ansembourg and Sanem lordly families. In the early ^16th century, Henri Schloeder de Lachen, lord of Schoenfels and Busbach, became the owner, marking the entrance to the keep with the Schloeder von Lachen coat of arms. Despite its lack of strategic value, the fortress was dismantled from its fortifications in 1683 by the French, and in 1690, it fell victim to fire. It changed ownership many more times until 1948. The industrialist Camille Weis then acquired the château, which was transferred to the Luxembourg state in 1971. The mansion adjacent to the keep was demolished in 1976. After renovation of the keep (21 m high, the tallest in the region), Schoenfels Castle was destined to become a visitor center and offices for the Eaux & Forêts administration, preserving its rich historical heritage for future generations. At present, only the grounds are accessible.

Located in a wood near the village and marked "Bunker" or "B", this bunker can only be reached on foot. During the Nazi occupation, the resistance built underground bunkers in which resistance fighters hid. Five bunkers were inhabited during the German occupation in Kaundorf. The bunker An der Runschelt was restored and listed in 1987. A memorial plaque is affixed to the bunker in honor of all the patriots who succeeded in rescuing the draft dodgers from the Germans.

The Lords of Reckingen were first mentioned in documents in the 12th century. The castle was owned by the Fock von Hübingen family in the 16th century (Ernst Fock von Hübingen, who died in 1573, is buried in the parish church in a Renaissance vault) and later by Cavalry Captain Peter Blum in 1699. In 1870 the fortress was completely razed to the ground. The medieval keep, with dimensions of 9 x 9 m and 1.5 m thick walls, was preserved over a height of 3 m, before being integrated into a private dwelling.

The first mention of a lord of Berg dates back to 1311. Passing from the hands of King William II of the Netherlands, to the Grand Duke Adolphe and then to the Grand Duke William IV, the castle underwent important transformations until it was demolished and completely rebuilt. In 1934, the fortress became the property of the Luxembourg State. Following the Second World War, the castle will need an important restoration. It was not until 1964 that the castle became the main residence of the grand-ducal family after a long period of rehabilitation.

Now owned by the Banque Caisse d'Epargne de l'Etat (BCEE), the former headquarters of Arbed (which became Arcelor and then ArcelorMittal) is an impressive historic building with four wings grouped around a beautiful, large inner courtyard. Built between 1920 and 1922 and once a symbol of Luxembourg's steel industry and economic power, this "castle" was renovated after being bought by BCEE in 2014 and was inaugurated in 2016. The building is now an administrative building but is worth a look from the outside.

Located on the Place de la Constitution, a stone's throw from the Casemates de Pétrusse, the Monument du Souvenir Gëlle Fra (meaning "golden woman" in French) was inaugurated in 1923 in memory of the Luxembourg soldiers who fell at the front during the First World War. This monument is a must in Luxembourg City and consists of a 21-meter high stone obelisk. At the top of the obelisk is a golden woman holding a laurel wreath towards two soldiers.

This magnificent feudal castle, built on a rocky sandstone promontory, overlooks the village from a height of around 50 metres. It offers a panoramic view over the Vallée des Sept Châteaux, where you'll discover exceptional flora and fauna in a peaceful setting. Dating back to the 12th^century , the residence was remodeled in the 16th^and 17th^centuries . It was then transformed into a luxury hotel and is now a charming B&B, Le Temps d'Or.

Erected in 1855 in memory of the Gallo-Roman site of Dalheim, this monument is almost six metres high. It was destroyed during the Second World War in 1940 by the Germans before being rebuilt in 1957. On each of its sides are various inscriptions in several languages (French, German and Latin). The eagle, a highly symbolic animal linked to the conquest of power, is placed on a globe and has its gaze turned towards the city of Trier (Germany), while its body is oriented towards Metz (France).

Built in the 9th and 13th centuries, there are still very beautiful ruins of Brandenburg Castle (name of its first known owner, Godfrey of Brandenburg - 1244-1284). After extensive archaeological excavations, some dangerous parts were consolidated and a secure route was built. The wooden route with explanatory panels starts at the tunnel that connects the main castle with the farmyard of the original castle keep. The path makes a detour through the spacious chapel of the original castle and also allows you to admire the beautiful cellars.

On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall collapsed with a hammer and circular saw. This was a historic event that made it possible to implement the Schengen Agreement. Nearly 30 years later, only relics of it remain in the German capital and in various parts of Europe. Since 8 February 2010, a 3.60m high section of the Berlin Wall, which was located near the Sony Center at the time, has been erected on the banks of the Moselle River in Schengen, right in front of the European Centre. It embodies the opening and disappearance of European borders

The Columns of Nations, located opposite the European Centre, are the work of architect François Valentiny (who also designed the building of the European Schengen Centre). The first column was erected in 2010 and the other two in 2014. They are almost 9 metres high and bear bronze stars symbolising the countries of the Schengen area. The spaces left free are intended to receive the stars of the countries that will join the European area in the future. On the ground are sealed bronze plaques with the names of the signatory states.

The sculpture E Schlass fir Schengen is a steel portal decorated with twenty-six stars, where visitors can hang padlocks as a sign of belonging to the same community. Each member country of the Schengen Agreement has its own bar. Suitable padlocks are available from the tourist information office for 7.50 euros and can be engraved. However, your own padlock is also welcome.

The House are in 2007 the base camp of the European Capital of Culture, being at the same time information centre, meeting point for all visitors, exhibition space and event venue. They are located right behind the Luxembourg-Ville railway station, at the edge of the Bonnevoie district and thus easily accessible for all visitors and tourists. Classified at National Historic Monuments by Government order in 1991, these two warehouses of 5 000 m 2 built in 1875 served until little, repair workshop for locomotives and buses of the Luxembourg Railways (CFL). In 2007, each of them has specific orientations: Rotonde 1 is more focused on exhibitions and facilities and Rotonde 2, more on performances especially for and by young people.

From 1688 to 1705, the Saint John church has beautiful Baroque furniture, including a 1710 organ and a black madone from the Talk of Cologne school.

Created a few months before the crack of 1929, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange is now one of Europe's largest financial centres. We can visit the site, but unfortunately we can no longer see traders working. The visit consists of a somewhat academic presentation of the functioning of the stock market. For investors investors.

The Diekirch brewery was founded in 1871 and is today part of the Brasserie de Luxembourg group, which has been part of the Belgian-Brazilian group Anheuser-Busch InBev since 2005. The latter has introduced into the company a whole range of major international brands: Leffe, Hoegaarden, Belle-Vue, Stella Artois, Jupiler, Franziskaner, Beck's and Super-Bock. Three Diekirch beers are brewed on the site (Reserve, Premium and Grand Cru) as well as the Mousel beer.

The city walls, built between the 10th and 13th centuries, were 2 km long and had four gates and 20 towers. Damaged in the 19th century, only a much shorter part remains today (count 500 metres when following the cultural circuit). Most of the towers were also destroyed, while those in good condition were sold at public auction in 1813 and converted into apartments, three of which are now available for rent as charming accommodation.

Erected in 1707, the Saint-Michel tower, named after the famous archangel who struck down evil, is a remnant of the former parish church. It is 40 metres high and has an original architectural form. Recognizable by its unique dome-shaped dome roof with an octagonal, baroque bulb, it is the symbol of the city of Mersch. Since 1997, the monument has had a faithful companion and neighbour, a bronze dragon statue. The St. Michael's Tower houses the Tourist Info, where you can find all the necessary information about the region.

Owned by the State since 1947, this former fortress is now in ruins. However, one of the towers and the walls are fairly well preserved. Its enclosure forms a square of 30 metres on each side, which was once surrounded by a moat fed by the Weillerbach stream. Its history dates back to the 10th century: the fortress was then known as Pittigero Mazini. The name Pettingen or Pittange was not given to it until the 13th century.

The Château de Septfontaines, built at the end of the 11th century, is now private property. The baroque gate dates from the 13th century and a Gothic part was added around 1400. The bridge over the entrance and the large square tower date from 1600. The predominant location of the castle at that time allowed it to watch over the entire Eisch Valley.This castle should not be confused with the seigneurial residence of the Boch brothers, located only a few minutes from the centre of Luxembourg, which dates from the 18th century.

The fortified castle, partially in ruins, is located on the top of a mound on the banks of the Attert. The communal administration moved there after extensive restoration work. The site can be discovered thanks to an interesting educational trail with many attractions: the two towers (linked by a contemporary steel bridge), the view of the 25 m high keep, the crypt or the story of Catherine Theis, victim of a witchcraft trial in Useldange. The trail is suitable for visually impaired people and consists of a total of 16 stations.

The romantic ruins of an ancient castle overlooking the charming village of Hesperange... a whole program! From this promontory, you can admire the Alzette valley, which is as green as one could wish for. According to the legend, it would have been built by the lords of Rodemack between 1190 and 1277. In reality, it was intended to serve as an outpost for the fortified castle of Rodemack. These ruins are now classified and protected as Historic Monuments.

Koerich Castle stands out for its imposing keep, its outer walls forming an almost perfect square, and its enchanting setting alongside Koerich's Baroque church and old houses.

Construction of the castle was undertaken in the late ^12th and early ^13th centuries by Lord Wiric of Koerich. The keep, also known as the "Hexenturm" (witches' tower), is an impressive example of late Romanesque architecture. Although only 11 meters high today, its original height is estimated at 25 to 30 meters. A spiral staircase built into the walls linked the various floors. Gothic modifications were made in the ^14th century, including the construction of a Gothic dwelling and two rectangular towers on the south façade. Today, only the southwest tower, housing the chapel dedicated to Saint Michael, remains. Over the centuries, it has also undergone Renaissance-style alterations, and in 1728, the southern wing was transformed into a Baroque building.

From the second half of the ^18th century onwards, Koerich Castle lost its seigniorial residency and its condition deteriorated. Since its classification as a historic monument in 1938, it has been the property of the Luxembourg state. It hosts the "Koerich Concerts", organized by the Käercher Schlassfrënn and the Jeunesses Musicales du Luxembourg. The decanal church offers exceptional acoustics for these concerts, creating a magical musical experience.

This splendid castle, once home to the Lords of Linster, has belonged to the Luxembourg state since 1968. Its earliest foundations date back to the 10th^century , but many additions have been made since then. Even today, it is entered via a bridge. The imposing walls house an attractive inner courtyard, as well as a Gothic tower and chapel.

The restaurant La Distillerie is housed here, with Chef René Mathieu at the helm, a Michelin-starred chef since 2012 and voted Chef of the Year 2021 for Luxembourg by the Gault & Millau guide. The latter also awarded him a fine 18/20. The Côté Cour brasserie is located in a wing of the château. Also run by René Mathieu, this establishment offers top-quality local cuisine and boasts a superb terrace overlooking the castle ramparts. The brasserie received a 15.5/20 rating from Gault & Millau.

The building also hosts concerts throughout the year and a classical music festival (Festival de Bourglinster), theoretically in early autumn. With capacity for up to 200 guests, the château can also be booked for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.

The château's former stables have been restored and now house workshops for professional craftsmen, where courses are organized in ancient trades such as bookbinding, art restoration and ceramics.

A must-see, a must-visit.

Located on the banks of the Moselle, the castle of Stadtbredimus is an amazing residence dating from the 15th century. Originally, it was home to a national poet named Edmond de la Fontaine, better known as Dicks. More recently, it has become the headquarters of Domaines Vinsmoselle. Founded in 1966, Domaines Vinsmoselle is, with a vineyard of more than 800 hectares located in the Moselle and about half of the national wine production, the most important producer of wines and crémants in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The fortified castle is located on Mont Saint-Jean at an altitude of 410 metres. Excavations, begun in the 1970s, have uncovered Gallo-Roman and medieval remains. Even if the ruins of the castle have long served as a quarry for the surrounding villages, a square keep, six towers, a palis, three wells, a cistern and other buildings remain. The objects discovered during the excavations are exhibited in the Municipal Museum of the town of Dudelange.

Erected in the middle of the 18th century and restored several times, Bettembourg Castle was listed in 1985. Since 1991, the residence has housed the offices of the town hall and is therefore not open to visitors. This beautiful yellow complex also houses a cultural hall and the Maggy Stein art gallery, which takes its name from a Luxembourg artist. It is also surrounded by a very pleasant park, in which it is nice to walk. The latter hosts various events, such as the Night of Wonders, a major event in the region.