The Fortress City/Region: Luxembourg-Ville The mighty fortress started by Count Siegfried atop the Rock of Bock in 963 eventually became a citadel with three girdles of battlements, the inner one fortified with bastions, and the other two containing a total of 24 forts along their length. As the centuries passed the stone cliff foundations underneath the castle were excavated to form a network of 14 miles (23km) of underground tunnels, called casemates, where thousands of soldiers could shelter and workshops for artillery and
arms, kitchens, bakeries and slaughter-houses could be housed. The fortress saw many sieges and battles, until 1867 when the Treaty of London declared that it be demolished. Despite this, several sections of the fortress still remain, and the subterranean casements are open for viewing. Visitors can also enjoy a sound and light tour on the history of the castle. The best way to view the remaining parts of the fortifications is on foot, strolling through the cobbled streets of the old town, armed with a map from the tourist office (on the Place d'Armes). Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm (March to October) Admission: EUR1.75 (adults), EUR1 (children)
Grand Ducal Palace City/Region: Luxembourg-Ville The city residence of the Grand Ducal family is right in the heart of the old town, and is surprisingly unpretentious, recognizable more by the fact that there are sentry boxes outside. The building features ochre yellow stone decorated with spires and railings, overlooking a paved pedestrian square. It was originally the site of a medieval town hall that was destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1554, and rebuilt 20 years later. An annex to the building was built in 1859 and is the seat of the Chamber of Deputies. Guided tours are available in July and August by arrangement with the Luxembourg City Tourist Office. Address: 17, rue du Marché-aux-Herbes Phone Number: 22 28 09 Hours: The palace can be visited on a guided tour between 18 July and 2 September Admission: EUR6 (adults), EUR3 (children)
The National Museum for History and Art City/Region: Luxembourg-Ville This museum was recently substantially refurbished and contains some major archaeological finds from the Gallo-Roman period, which are displayed in underground galleries. Collections of fine arts, medieval artifacts, coins, medals and arms are also on display. Address: Marché-aux-Poissons Phone Number: 47 93 30-1 Email Address: musee@mnha.etat.lu Transport: Bus 19 or 20 to Kasinosgaass stop Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm Admission: EUR5 (adults); free for children under 18
Hamm Cemetery City/Region: Luxembourg-Ville In a silent forest clearing near the village of Hamm, a few miles east of Luxembourg city, lie the graves of more than 5,000 American soldiers killed during World War II, when the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg became a battleground in the Allies' last bid for victory on the Western Front. One of the graves is that of the legendary commander, General George Patton, who died in a traffic accident just after the war. The cemetery has become a place of pilgrimage and homage, and is immaculately maintained by members of the American Battle Monuments' Commission. Not far away, at the village of Sandwieler, is a German war cemetery with some 10,000 graves.
Vianden City/Region: Luxembourg-Ville The picturesque village of Vianden, situated on the banks of the Our River and guarded by a magnificent restored medieval castle, makes a pleasant day trip about 25 miles (40km) north of the city of Luxembourg. The castle dates back to the 9th century and was originally the home of the counts of Vianden, powerful nobles between the 11th and 13th centuries. The ruined castle was restored in the 1980s and now houses a museum that recaptures life in the Middle Ages and recounts the area's troubled history. In the small town below visitors can sip tangy Moselle wines beside the stream and the cobblestone streets, while enjoying the view of the green hills. Website: www.tourist-info-vianden.lu
Clervaux City/Region: Luxembourg-Ville In the heart of the Ardennes Mountain region about 30 miles (50km) north of Luxembourg City, the village of Clervaux is overlooked by a 15th-century castle, a Romanesque church with twin spires, and a large Benedictine monastery. The castle houses three small museums, including one that features a collection of World War II memorabilia from the Battle of the Bulge that was fought in the region. Another room is dedicated to the Luxembourg Holocaust victims, its walls lined with mementoes of Luxembourgers who died in concentration camps. Behind the castle a road leads uphill to the monastery, where the monks sometimes hold Gregorian chant concerts. The town itself has numerous appealing restaurants and cafes. Website: www.tourisme-clervaux.lu
Echternach City/Region: Luxembourg-Ville The beautiful town of Echternach lies on the border between Germany and Luxembourg on the banks of the Sûre River. It boasts a famed abbey, founded in the 7th century by St Willibrord, whose remains are contained in a magnificent white marble sarcophagus in the crypt of the Basilica. There are also three museums in the town, one dedicated to the history of the abbey, another showcasing ancient artifacts and a third detailing rural architecture. Echternach also has its own unique event: a centuries' old traditional dancing procession takes place each Whit Tuesday, attracting thousands of pilgrims and spectators. The town is also a jumping-off point for hikers wishing to explore the area known as the Mullerthal, a fascinating landscape of curious sandstone rock formations, waterfalls, creeks, springs and forests. Also known as 'Little Switzerland', this region is criss-crossed with hiking trails and dotted with picturesque villages.
Grevenmacher City/Region: Moselle The principal town of Luxembourg's Moselle wine growing region is linked to the German bank of the river by a bridge. Grevenmacher is an old town with narrow streets, the remains of medieval fortifications, and a 13th-century Belfry. The town's claim to fame is the wine cellars of Caves Bernard-Massard, whose sparkling wines are internationally acclaimed. The cellars are open daily for tastings from April to October from 9.30am to 6pm. There is a small museum in the town, and an exotic butterfly garden. Grevenmacher is also an embarkation point for regular scenic river cruises on the Moselle, which call at other quaint villages in the region.
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