Bock Casemates

The Bock Casemates are an extensive underground defense system in Luxembourg City, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. The first casemates were constructed in 1744 by the Spanish and were later significantly expanded under Austrian and Prussian rule. Originally, the network of tunnels and galleries stretched over a total length of 23 kilometers, carved deep into the Bock cliff. In the event of a siege, the facility could house thousands of soldiers, along with their equipment, horses, and even workshops. Following the Treaty of London in 1867, the Fortress of Luxembourg had to be dismantled, but the casemates remained largely intact because blowing them up would have endangered the city's structure. During World War I and World War II, the tunnels served as bombproof shelters for up to 35,000 residents. Today, about 17 kilometers of the tunnel system are preserved and accessible to visitors, offering striking views of the Alzette Valley and the Grund district through the old embrasures. The casemates stand as a testament to Luxembourg's past as one of the strongest fortresses in Europe.

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.

Wenzel Circular Walk

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

Neumünster Abbey

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

More places

St. Michael's Church

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

Luxembourg City History Museum

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

National Museum of History and Art

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

Three Towers

A historic city gate of the former Luxembourg fortress, consisting of one square and two round towers.

Alzette Valley

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

Spanish Towers

Small, distinctive observation turrets on the fortress walls, built during the Spanish rule.

Grand Ducal Palace

The Grand Ducal Palace in the old town serves as the official residence of the Grand Ducal family.