Luxembourg

Overview

The capital of Luxembourg is the City of Luxembourg with its historic buildings. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The extensive city walls and towers are very distinctive. The city is divided into Ville Haute ("High City"), the medieval town core and Ville Basse ("Low City") situated in a gorge that cuts across the city and is the most picturesque area to be experienced on a Luxembourg vacation.

Luxembourg City has a splendid location high on a cliff overlooking deep and narrow valleys. Interesting places include the Gothic Revival Cathedral of Notre Dame built between 1613 and 1618 by Jesuits and elevated to the status of cathedral in 1870, the town fortifications and the Grand Ducal Palace which houses the Luxembourgish Parliament, the Chamber of Deputies and which is surrounded by charming cobblestoned lanes. There is also the Neumünster Abbey, formerly a Benedictine abbey, now a public meeting place and cultural centre and the Place d'Armes filled with cafes. In the centre of the square is a bandstand on which various concerts are held which can be enjoyed on a Luxembourg vacation.

The Casemates Bock is a network of underground fortifications built in the 18th century. The fortifications and environs are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are also several war memorial sites including the World War II Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial. The pedestrianized old town is where the greatest concentration of shops as well as bars and restaurants are to be found.