Altar of National Sacrifice

The Altar of Sacrifice is a central and symbolic element of the National Monument of Solidarity on the Holy Ghost Plateau in Luxembourg. It is located outdoors, in front of the crypt with the eternal flame. The massive, simple stone block, designed by sculptor Lucien Wercollier, symbolizes the gravity of the sacrifices made by the Luxembourg people during the occupation in the Second World War. Its starkness and reduction to pure form are intended to avoid any distraction and to encourage the viewer to quiet contemplation and remembrance. This is where the official wreath-laying ceremonies by the Grand Duke and other dignitaries take place, especially on National Day. The altar is not a religious symbol in the strict sense, but a civilian place of remembrance for resistance, forced labour, deportation, and the victims of the Shoah. It embodies the collective memory and the unbroken spirit of solidarity of the nation in the face of oppression and injustice.

Nearby cities

Esch-sur-Alzette

The second largest city in Luxembourg is located in the southwest of the country.

Dudelange

Dudelange is located in the far south of the country, right on the border with France.

Kirchberg Financial District

The Kirchberg district is the economic heart of Luxembourg and one of the world's most important financial centers.

Schifflange

Schifflange is located in the canton of Esch-sur-Alzette and is a classic industrial municipality.

Walferdange

Walferdange is located north of the capital in the Alzette valley.

Bettembourg

Bettembourg is an important municipality in southern Luxembourg.

Strassen

Strassen is a wealthy municipality directly west of the capital.

Bertrange

Bertrange is a suburban municipality west of the capital.

Mamer

Mamer is located west of Luxembourg City and is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the country.

Bascharage

Bascharage is part of the Käerjeng municipality in the southwest of the country.

Kayl

Kayl is located in southern Luxembourg in the canton of Esch-sur-Alzette.

Mersch

The geographical center of Luxembourg, located in the Valley of the Seven Castles, combining Roman history with modern infrastructure.

Schiplange

Schiplange is a village in the south of Luxembourg.

Mondercange

Mondercange is located in the southwest of the country and is a rapidly growing residential municipality.

Mondorf-les-Bains

Mondorf-les-Bains is a famous spa town in southeastern Luxembourg.

History & landmarks

Luxembourg City Hall

The neoclassical administrative building on Place Guillaume II is the hub of the capital's local government.

Citadel of the Holy Spirit

The Citadel of the Holy Spirit was reinforced by the famous fortress builder Vauban in the 17th century after the French conquest.

Neumünster Abbey

Neumünster Abbey in the Grund district has a varied history as a Benedictine monastery, military hospital, and prison.

Wenzel Circular Walk

A historic circular walk connecting the most important fortifications of Luxembourg City.

Bock Casemates

The Bock Casemates are a vast underground defense system in Luxembourg City, expanded by the Spanish starting in 1745.

More places

National Monument of Solidarity

A monument on the 'Kanounenhiwwel' hill commemorating the resistance and victims of World War II.

Alzette Valley

The Alzette Valley cuts deep into the Luxembourg sandstone plateau, forming the topographical basis for Luxembourg City and its steep gor…

Luxembourg City History Museum

An interactive museum in the old town documenting the thousand-year history of the capital city of Luxembourg.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Cathedral of Luxembourg was originally built as a Jesuit church in the 17th century.

St. Michael's Church

The oldest religious building in Luxembourg City, located right by the historic Fish Market.

National Museum of History and Art

Central museum in the old town presenting archaeological finds and artworks from Luxembourg's history.