Petrusse Casemates

The Petrusse Casemates are a fascinating labyrinth of underground passages carved deep into the sandstone cliffs beneath the former Bourbon lock. Their origins date back to 1644, when the Spanish began to expand the medieval fortifications. The French under Vauban and later the Austrians significantly extended the system in the 17th and 18th centuries into a sophisticated defensive network. These passages, stretching over several kilometres, housed thousands of soldiers, workshops, bakeries, and artillery positions. They were a crucial part of the Fortress of Luxembourg, known as the 'Gibraltar of the North'. After the fortress was dismantled in 1867, most of the entrances were sealed. During the two World Wars, the casemates served as life-saving air-raid shelters for up to 35,000 people. Since 2022, following extensive renovation and with a new, modern scenography, the Petrusse Casemates are once again open to the public, offering a spectacular insight into the city's military history.

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.

Place Guillaume II

A large public square in the heart of the city, also known as 'Knuedler', named after the knots of the Franciscan monks.

Place d'Armes

Place d'Armes, often called the 'city's parlor,' was laid out in 1671.

More places

Notre-Dame Cathedral

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

Gëlle Fra (Monument of Remembrance)

Gëlle Fra is a monument in Luxembourg City, originally erected in 1923 to commemorate volunteers of World War I.

Equestrian Statue of William II

A monumental bronze monument on Place Guillaume II commemorating the former King-Grand Duke.

Grand Ducal Palace

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

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.

Adolphe Bridge

This iconic stone arch bridge connects Luxembourg's city center with the railway station district over the Pétrusse valley.