City of Luxembourg : its Old Quarters and Fortifications, World Heritage Site in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a city known for its impregnable fortifications that have earned it the nickname “Gibraltar of the North”.It has been ruled by various nations, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburgs, France, and Prussia. The fortress that protected Luxembourg is valued for its centuries of service until it was dismantled in 1867.

Here, a World Heritage enthusiast explains why City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications are a World Heritage Site. Read this and you will definitely learn more about Luxembourg City!

What is the City of Luxembourg : its Old Quarters and Fortifications, World Heritage Site in Luxembourg? Capital of what country?

Where is Luxembourg located? Why is the country and capital city named the same?

Luxembourg is a small country surrounded by France, Belgium and Germany.It has an area of 2,586 square kilometers, about the same size as Kanagawa Prefecture. Located at the confluence of the Petrus and Rousset rivers, Luxembourg City is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, ruled by the Grand Duke, and is also a highland city at an altitude of about 500 meters. Originally, the country developed around this city and acquired a larger territory than it has today, but it was reduced in size when it gained independence in 1839, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was established on its present territory. Luxembourg is therefore unusual in that the name of the country and the name of its capital are the same.

What is the history of Luxembourg? Its streets are like a military fortress

Originally, this site was a small fort around the 10th century. When the city was formed, it was transformed into a walled fortress in the 14th and 15th centuries, and when the Habsburgs (Spanish) came to rule in the 17th century, the walls were further strengthened, making it one of the most solid fortresses in Europe. For this reason, the city became known as the “Gibraltar of the North” during this period. During the period of French rule, the fortress was further expanded, but in 1867, when the country became a permanent neutral country, the fortress was dismantled.

Thus, most of the fortifications no longer remain, but some of the gates, bastions, and forts that were built during the period of each country’s domination can still be seen today. The city is dotted with buildings from various periods, making it look like a museum.

Major registered properties

Grand Duke’s Palace

Built in the 16th century during the Spanish occupation, it features Ispano-Moresque (a style popular under Muslim rule) reliefs.

Cengen Fortress

A fortress built during the Prussian rule.It is also called the “Three Acorns” because of its acorn-like roof.

Notre Dame Cathedral

A Gothic cathedral built in the 17th century. It is the only cathedral in Luxembourg with two thimble spires.

Luxembourg City: Its old town and fortifications are on the World Heritage List for what reason?

Luxembourg City was recognized for the following

Registration Criteria (iv)
Luxembourg played an important role in European history in that it has preserved the architecture of its fortress and old town surrounded by wilderness.

World Heritage Mania Conclusions and Comments

Luxembourg can be said to be a mosaic of cultures, as its rulers changed every few centuries. Luxembourg is also known as the Gibraltar of the North because of its impregnable fortress ruins, which indicate that it was a city of great value in Europe.

Switzerland, a permanent neutral country, is also famous for its finance, and Luxembourg is also famous as a financial center, where the European Investment Bank and other institutions are located.

*The contents here are considerations derived from research conducted by World Heritage enthusiasts.A s for the data, interpretation differs depending on the media.