Plizio Visual Lab
National Monument of Solidarity
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
The National Monument of Solidarity, located on the 'Kanounenhiwwel' (Cannon Hill) of the Holy Ghost Plateau, is a profound memorial to the victims of the Second World War. Inaugurated in 1971, it commemorates the resistance of the Luxembourg population against the Nazi occupation, the forced conscripts, and the victims of the Shoah. Designed by architect Nicolas Schmit-Noesen and sculptor Lucien Wercollier, the monument is deliberately stark. It consists of a crypt with an eternal flame and a simple altar, surrounded by raw concrete walls. This sobriety is intended to symbolize the gravity of the sacrifice and to create a place for quiet contemplation. Its location on a former bastion of the fortress, overlooking the Pétrusse valley, lends additional historical depth to the site. Every year on National Day, the Grand Duke lays a wreath here, underscoring the central importance of the monument to the national memory.
- Location: Luxembourg
- Top sights: Musée national d'histoire naturelle · Luxembourg City: Old Quarters & Fortifications · Rainbow Center
- Nearby: Hesperange (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 57 | 57 | 46 | 70 | 68 | 65 | 72 | 56 | 65 | 68 | 79 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The striking monument and its eternal flame can be viewed from the outside at any time, while the small chapel interior might have restricted entry times.
Typical hours
Since it is an open public memorial on the Kanounenhiwwel hill, you can generally visit the exterior structures and the surrounding plaza 24 hours a day.
Photography
The elevated position gives a striking contrast between the modern memorial and the cityscape, making it an excellent spot for respectful and thoughtful photography.
Time needed
A brief visit of about twenty to thirty minutes is usually sufficient to view the monument, read the various inscriptions, and reflect on its historical significance.
Combine with
It is very easy to combine this contemplative stop with a walk through the adjacent Alzette valley or a visit to the nearby historical fortifications of the city.
Getting there
Located relatively close to the city center, it is easily accessible on foot from the historic heart of Luxembourg City or by utilizing the local public bus network.
Insider tip
Visit during the early evening hours when the eternal flame stands out more prominently against the twilight, creating a highly evocative and peaceful atmosphere.
Geography
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town National Monument of Solidarity (10)
Luxembourg City: Old Quarters & Fortifications
Fortifications around Luxembourg City, largely dismantled in 1867.
🌐 luxembourg.public.lu🕒 24/7
Centre culturel de rencontre Abbaye de Neumünster
Cultural centre in the former Neumünster Abbey in Grund.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Church building in Luxembourg, built in the 17th century.
Trinité
Church in the Grund quarter, built in the 17th century.
Konschthaus Beim Engel
Arts and culture centre in the old town.
Église de Saint-Michel
Church in Luxembourg, dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Écluse du Grund
Ruins of a lock on the Alzette river in the Grund quarter.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the National Monument of Solidarity symbolize?
It commemorates the resistance and suffering of Luxembourgers during World War II.
Where is the Solidarity Monument located?
It is located on the 'Kanonenhügel' (Plateau du Saint-Esprit) in Luxembourg City.
Is there an eternal flame at the monument?
Yes, an eternal flame burns in the courtyard in front of a stone monolith.
Is entry to the monument free?
Yes, the outdoor area of the monument is freely accessible at all times.
When was the monument inaugurated?
It was officially inaugurated on October 10, 1971.
National Monument of Solidarity: where is it located?
National Monument of Solidarity is located in Luxembourg.
National Monument of Solidarity: what is there to see?
Highlights include Musée national d'histoire naturelle, Luxembourg City: Old Quarters & Fortifications, Rainbow Center.
National Monument of Solidarity: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
National Monument of Solidarity: why is it worth visiting?
The National Monument of Solidarity, located on the 'Kanounenhiwwel' (Cannon Hill) of the Holy Ghost Plateau, is a profound memorial to the victims of the Second World War.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Luxembourg →
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.
Neumünster Abbey
Neumünster Abbey in the Grund district has a varied history as a Benedictine monastery, military hospital, and prison.
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.
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
Altar of National Sacrifice
A symbolic outdoor altar, part of the National Monument of Solidarity in Luxembourg City.
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.
St. Michael's Church
The oldest religious building in Luxembourg City, located right by the historic Fish Market.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Cathedral of Luxembourg was originally built as a Jesuit church in the 17th century.
National Museum of History and Art
Central museum in the old town presenting archaeological finds and artworks from Luxembourg's history.