Set high on a promontory overlooking the Pétrusse and Alzette Valleys, the Grand Duchy's capital somberly sits like a thousand-year-old gargoyle on a rocky outcrop known as the Bock where, in 963 AD, Sigefroid, Count of Ardennes, laid the cornerstone of a fortress that would become Luxembourg City. Although townsfolk blew up the fortress in the 19th century, the views and remnants of the original structure continue to inspire.
Sample the dry white wines of the Moselle Valley, Luxembourg’s vineyard and winery region. The gentle slopes on both sides of the Moselle River are covered in vineyards. The Moselle Valley’s Route de Vin (Wine Road) starts at Waserbillig and continues along the Moselle River beyond Grevenmacher to the charming villages of Wormeldange, Remich, and Schengen. Guided tours and wine tastings are available at a wide array of wine cellars. Luxembourg’s only casino and a well-known health spa are located in Mondarf-les-Bains in the south of this region.
The city of Luxembourg is split into the upper, modern town and the lower ancient town with the river running through it. The pedestrian promenade, Chemin de la Corniche, commonly known as “Europe’s most beautiful balcony”, provides spectacular panoramic views of both the river valleys and the lower town rich with quaint cobblestone streets and serving the area’s late-night crowd.
Palace of the Grand Dukes
The Grand Ducal Palace was constructed between 1572 and 1574 as a town hall in the Spanish Renaissance style. It went on to become the Prefecture and the seat of government before being converted in 1890 into a Grand Ducal Palace.. You can visit the palace from 15 July to 2 September.
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Bock Casemates
The casemates are 23 km long subterranean passageways that helped forge Luxembourg’s impressive military reputation and give it the name “Gibraltar of the North”. The first tunnels were built in 1644, in the era of Spanish domination. After the dismantling of the fortress in 1867, 17 km of the casemates were spared and have been open to the public since 1933.
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Wenceslas Wall
Take the “Wenzel Walk” through the city of Luxembourg’s oldest quarters for an engaging and compelling millennial history. The name “Wenzel Walk” pays tribute to Wenceslas II, Duke of Luxembourg between 1383 and 1419.
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