Luxembourg City Old Quarters and Fortifications
★ 4.7🇱🇺 Luxembourg CitySuggested visit Half a dayBest season May to September, when the gorge paths and terraces are pleasant
World HeritageHistoric siteCity walk
A fortress city built between cliffs and gorges, its underground passages and layered walls a World Heritage Site.
Overview
Luxembourg's old quarters sit on the cliffs where the Alzette and Pétrusse meet, fortified in layers since the 10th century and once called the Gibraltar of the North for its strategic position. The Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Constitution Square stand above, while tens of kilometres of the Bock Casemates survive underground. The site joined the World Heritage List in 1994.
History
Founded in 963 and ruled in turn by Burgundy, Spain, France and Austria, it was repeatedly strengthened into one of Europe's strongest fortresses before neutrality in 1867 led to the demolition of most above-ground defences.
Highlights
- •The Bock Casemates underground
- •The Grand Ducal Palace and Constitution Square
- •The layered walls above the gorges
- •The upper town and the Grund below
Practical tips
- •The casemates entrance is at Constitution Square and needs a ticket
- •A lift links the upper town and the Grund, saving the climb
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- The old town is free; the casemates about EUR 8
- Opening hours
- Old town open all day; casemates 9:45-17:00
- Local food
- Judd mat Gaardebounen, potato fritters, Moselle white wine
- Getting around
- Public transport is free nationwide; the old town is a 15-minute walk from the central station.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
…