Luxembourg is a European dwarf state. It is also the only remaining duchy in the world, and its namesake capital is the city of Luxembourg. Everything there looks so stylish and majestic that you want to travel around the city not in sneakers and jeans, but in a ball gown and heels.
Both the city and the country confirm the meaning of the word "dwarf", the territory is small, so a day or two is enough for traveling. Reserve more time only if you are in the mood for relaxation and not for quick sightseeing. Despite the small area, there are plenty of resorts and spa hotels.
On the downside, the country is expensive. On the plus side, all public transportation is free, even for tourists. By the way, earlier we named 10 cities with the best public transportation system in the world.
Luxembourg may be small, but it is still rich in beauty: pastoral brightly colored houses in the mountains, cobbled streets, ancient temples, eco-trails. The capital city alone is worth a lot, so let's talk about it. Where to start getting acquainted with the city?
Upper Town
The historic center of the capital is a great free lookout point. The center is located on a rocky hill between river crossings. It offers a stunning panoramic postcard view of the Lower Town, where Luxembourg's main sights can be found among the medieval streets and squares.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Luxembourg
A majestic cathedral combining Renaissance and late Gothic. Colorful and bright stained glass windows, marble columns with Arabic script, and the atypical roof of the cathedral will definitely catch your attention.
Inside there are two magnificent organs, the music of which gives you goosebumps. The icon of the Mother of God "Consoler of the Sorrowful" is also kept there. It is believed that she protects the city. The crypts with the lions contain the remains of members of the ducal family.
St. Michael's Church
The oldest church in Luxembourg, 17th century, Baroque-Romanesque style. It is the only building in the city intact during the French Revolution.
There is a legend that the French left three lily flowers inside, a symbol of royalty at the time. The flowers can still be seen above the entrance to the temple. The interior itself is not so pompous, the bright details are stained glass windows and chandeliers.
Casemates
At the top of the rock in the 17th century was the Luxembourg Fortress. Inside the rock were built long labyrinths of military casemates - 23 kilometers of tunnels. Now the casemates are shorter and only used as a tourist attraction. Somewhere there is even an exit to the surface of the rock at a height - another natural observation platform, the views of the Lower Town and the gorge of the river are fantastic.
Boulevard de la Corniche
This is the promenade that runs along the cliff, which is basically where the entire Upper Town was built. When you get down there, don't forget to look up. The boulevard looks amazing from below. It's even called the most beautiful "balcony in Europe". There used to be stairs on the steepest cliffs, they were removed during the demolition of the fortress walls.
Lower Town
The Grund quarter, called the "Lower Town", is located on the river bank under a cliff. It used to be a craftsmen's neighborhood and is very picturesque. The proximity to the water adds some romance, the houses seem to grow right out of the water. It is an expensive neighborhood, there are even a few Michelin restaurants there. But I still recommend you to start getting acquainted with Luxembourg from the upper city, and not to rush straight down. Although you can do it both on foot and by elevator along the cliff. And for the sake of argument, the photo below.
The Palace of the Grand Dukes
It was originally a town hall, built in the 16th century after a fire that destroyed almost the entire Upper Town. Then it was a mansion with different owners, until in the 19th century the palace became the official residence of the Duke. Nowadays, monarchs confer, meetings and receptions are held there, diplomats arrive and delegations stay there.
The whole culture of Luxembourg is also a peculiar mixture of neighboring cultures, architecture included. Even the Palace is made in different styles: partly Flemish, partly French, Renaissance.
Tourists are only allowed inside to the most luxurious interiors when the Duke's family is out of town.
Adolphus Bridge
The bridge unites the Upper and Lower Town - considered a symbol of the capital and a major historical landmark. It is also a popular viewing platform. The bridge was named after the Grand Duke Adolphus, who ruled between the 19th and 20th century.
Neumünster Abbey
Located in the Lower Town. The abbey has served as a barracks, a police station and even a prison. In 2004, the complex was slightly modified and a Cultural Center was opened there, where you can now see exhibitions, listen to concerts, take part in a master class and communicate with artists living there.
Philharmonic
Its full name is the Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte Concert Hall. Modern construction in 2005, but still deserves your attention. The building is very spectacular and stylish.
Panoramic elevator
The Pfaffenthal quarter has a stylish high-speed glass elevator that connects the quarter itself to the city center. The 70-meter elevator and the bridge at its top can also be used as an observation deck for a cool view of the coastal neighborhoods, of which there are more than 20.
Three Acorns Fortress
The complex of three towers is part of a fort erected for the defense of Luxembourg in the 18th century. But unfortunately, these are only remnants of the once monumental structure. Most of the fort was destroyed because of the Treaty of London, which determined the neutral status of the country. Although much of it was almost completely reconstructed. Now the fortress is open to tourists, and there are several museums nearby.
In general, you can really imagine the spirit of the Middle Ages in the city, so authentic is everything. And even though everything developed under the influence of different cultures, for me Luxembourg is absolutely unique. It doesn't resemble any other city, apart from some details. The rich history, high standard of living, postcard views are all pluses. Even though it is a small city, I would love to go back there.
Luxembourg's sights can be seen in a couple of days, but it will still be an eventful and impressive trip. If you have enough time, take a look at the Museum of Modern Art - even from the outside the building is beautiful and stylish. You may be interested in the Museum of Natural History - it contains a dinosaur skeleton. There is an interesting museum of buses and streetcars, numerous galleries and even an American cemetery.
Oh, and it makes sense to drive around the country itself, at least to see some fortresses, national parks and Luxembourg Switzerland.
