Exploring Luxembourg – ‘Europe’s Green Heart’

Luxembourg is a country with the highest GDP per capita in the world and is dubbed the ‘Green Heart of Europe’.

Luxembourg’s full name is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, ruled by a Grand Duke and the only surviving grand duchy in the world. This country has an area of ​​2586 square kilometers with a population of 580,000 people . Nestled between the “giants” of France, Germany and Belgium, Luxembourg not only has not been annexed and assimilated, but has also risen to world stature – it is a co-founder member of many international organizations such as the Union United Nations, European Union, North Atlantic Treaty Organization… With more than 80% of the population being immigrants, people here are not only Luxembourgish, but also fluent in other languages ​​such as French, German, English… At attractions in Luxembourg, there are hearing devices, visitors do not need tour guide, just press the button to select the language. As a small country, but Luxembourg has RTL Group with 34 television stations, 33 radio stations covering 12 countries and the largest steel corporation Arcelormital in Europe. Luxembourg is the headquarters of hundreds of foreign banks, including the Investment Bank and the European Audit Office… Luxembourg is influenced by French architecture, notably the Lucilinburhuc castle built more than 1000 years ago, Notre Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg’s main avenue looks like the Champs Elysees in Paris. Grand Dukes Palace with unique architecture, built in 1574 – one of the most perfect examples of Renaissance architecture with splendid beauty, sophistication. The Luxembourg Theater (full name is Grande-Duchesse Josephine-Charlotte Concert Hall) designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, is one of the most famous theaters in Europe, holding up to 400 concerts annually. Notre-Dame Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church, built in 1870, bold Gothic architecture mixed with fine Renaissance art. The building of the National Savings Bank was built in the years 1910 – 1913 in the Renaissance style William II Square – the heart of Luxembourg City, named after the eminent emperor of both Luxembourg and the Netherlands, has long had a special meaning for the people and country of Luxembourg. Statue of Gëlle Fra commemorating the soldiers of Luxembourg who died in World War I in Constitution Square, built in 1923, demolished by the Germans in 1940, restored in 1984 – a symbol of freedom and love Luxembourgish resilience. Luxembourg is influenced by both Roman and Germanic cultures but has been transformed by eye-catching multicultural fashion stores, performances by Arab street artists, aromatic German sausages, attractive Turkish kepap…and the shops seduce tourists. Luxembourg has 110 bridges. The Grand Duke Adolphe Bridge was built between 1900-1903 by two famous architects with the largest stone dome in the world at that time – a symbol of the independence of this country. The “Old” bridge was built in 1859 – 1861 across the Pétrusse valley with pillars 30 meters high, with a total length of 290 meters. The “Red” bridge connects the city center with the European area, 74 m high, 355 m long, 25 m wide and with a total weight of 4,900 tons. Designed by Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill in 2004, Europe Square is home to major buildings such as the Philharmonie, the Alcide De Gasperi, the new Convention Center, the MUDAM Drai Eechelen… Luxembourg’s most famous attraction is the Chemin de la Corniche, across the Alzrtte valley, built by the Spaniards and French in the 17th century – which covers the whole of Luxembourg, dubbed “The most beautiful balcony” Europe”. Under the Chemin de la Corniche is the Bock Casemates underground fortress system 23 km long, 40 m deep, built by Count Sigfried in 963. The whole defensive town is more than 40000 m2, located in the ground with legs. very thick walls and sandstone balustrades that follow steep cliffs. Since 1933, Casemates has been repaired by the Luxembourg government and is open to visitors. Currently, the average annual Bock Casemates welcomes more than 100,000 visitors. The hidden beauty and romance of Luxembourg City is that it lies in the heart of the valley. Luxembourg City was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1994 and awarded the title of “European Capital of Culture” by the EU in 1995 and 2007. Luxembourg does not have a hustle and bustle like many other tourist cities in Europe. Apart from the new cars, Luxembourg has no showy activities. The pace of life here is still leisurely and liberal; a cool blue color, settling, mixing heaven and earth with people. Luxembourg never forgets to preserve its historical values, national cultural traditions. Perhaps, that is the reason why, despite being small, having been invaded for thousands of years, Luxembourg still maintained its sovereignty and rose to become a rich country, respected by friends.