Luxembourg, city of the month

Luxembourg and music		History		Architecture
A country’s status is often measured by the richness of its cultural life. The city of Luxembourg, which has always seen very mixed audiences, offers an extraordinary diversity. The re-opening of the Grand Théâtre, the Conservatoire and the brand new Philharmonie concert hall testify to an evident revival, raising the country up into the ranks of the most exciting and promising. Luxembourg will be the European Capital of Culture in 2007. The Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg www.theater-vdl.lu A first 500 seat theatre converted from the Capuchin church opened in 1869. Its capacity proving insufficient, a new theatre was built and opened to the public on 15 April 1964. Essential renovation work was started in 1998, closing the venue for 5 years. The work provided an opportunity to modernise the theatre’s technical facilities, providing convenience (surtitling), safety and greater flexibility, especially by converting the small auditorium into a studio. The large auditorium is equipped to create a huge variety of sophisticated, high-tech stage sets. The programme of the Grand Théâtre covers all the performing arts: ballet, theatre and opera, all with but a single watchword - excellence. L’Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg www.opl.lu Founded in 1933 by the violinist and conductor, Henri Pensis, the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra plays a dominant role not only in the musical life of the Grand Duchy, but in Europe too. French composers have always occupied a major place in the Repertoire of the orchestra, which, spurred on by its artistic director, Bramwell Tovey, and its favourite guest conductor and future director, Emmanuel Krivine, continued this long tradition by making a number of records of works by Lili Boulanger, Jean Cras, Arthur Honegger, Albéric Magnard, Maurice Ohana, Gabriel Pierné, Francis Poulenc, Joseph-Guy Ropartz, Albert Roussel, and others – very often highly praised by the international press. Each year the resident orchestra at the Philharmonie Luxembourg tours other parts of the world. La Philharmonie Luxembourg www.philharmonie.lu “The new concert hall is actively helping to integrate and stimulate the already rich musical life of Luxembourg” Officially opened on 26 June 2005, the Philharmonie Luxembourg was designed by well-known architect, Christian de Portzamparc. Three auditoriums attractively share the 20,000 m2 of the Kirchberg centre: The Grand Auditorium [large auditorium] seats 1,500 and hosts major symphony concerts, the Salle de Musique de Chambre [chamber music room] with 300 seats and the New Faces space, a modular space able to accommodate up to 120 people. The Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte concert hall belongs to the European Concert Halls Organisation and as such, with concert halls like the Carnegie Hall, Concertgebouw, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Barbican Centre, Musikverein, and others, organises concert series such as Rising Stars which not only provide a way of promoting young Luxembourgish musicians on the international stage but also of involving them in international projects. Echternach International Festival (Echternach, north-east) 10.05.2006 to 02.07.2006 Very few are the festivals that can offer a setting as delightful as the abbey town of Echternach. Concerts of classical music with world famous artists such as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Gidon Kremer, Vadim Repin, Mstislav Rostropovitch, Mischa Maisky, Evgeny Kissin, Cyprien Katsaris, Lorin Maazel, etc., who come to perform here. The concerts are held in the Romanesque basilica or in the church of SS.Pierre-et-Paul in Echternach, and in Luxembourg city too. The beautiful countryside and the town’s historic buildings (Roman villa, abbey, three museums, etc.) will make this an unforgettable visit. www.echternachfestival.lu Wiltz Festival (Wiltz is about sixty kilometres north of the capital) 28.06.2006 to 30.07.2006 Since the festival was founded in 1953, this unique open air theatre, with the château as backstage, is an annual date for artists, theatre companies and music ensembles of international calibre. www.festivalwiltz.lu		The historic importance of the City of Luxembourg dates back to Roman times. In the 4th century a watchtower was constructed in the “Marché-aux-Poissons” [fishmarket] neighbourhood, where two Roman roads intersected. In the mid 10th century, Count Sigefroi discovered the strategic value of the site and ordered the construction of the “Lucilinburhuc”, a small castle that gave the city its name, on Le Bock rock. The name Luxembourg first appeared in about 963. Between 963 and 1443, Luxembourg was first an independent county, then a duchy within the German Empire. In the period from 1443 to 1815, the date of the Congress of Vienna, Luxembourg was ruled by the House of Burgundy from 1443 to 1506, then passed into Spanish hands from 1506 to 1684, was then annexed to France (1684 to 1697), after that the Duchy of Luxembourg was then in Austrian possession from 1714 to 1795, the year in which Luxembourg was annexed to revolutionary France. Why it has been so coveted is explained by Luxembourg’s strategic position on the European stage and its formidable fortress, known as the “Gibraltar of the North”. It was the importance of this fortress that led the allies of the time, assembled for the Congress of Vienna in 1815 to decide the fate of Europe after the defeat of Napoleon, to create a new country around the fortress – the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In a calculated strategic move, the king of the Netherlands was appointed Head of State and named Grand Duke of Luxembourg , and at the same time, Luxembourg was made part of the German Confederation (until 1867). In 1830 the Grand Duchy played an active role in the Belgian Revolution and formed part of the Belgian Kingdom. In 1839, the Treaty of London took the eastern part of the province of Luxembourg from Belgium to create the present Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (a quarter of the territory that it had at the height of its expansion). In 1841, Luxembourg obtained its first Constitution.. In 1890, the Nassau-Weilburg dynasty (an important Luxembourgish family) took over as the Orange-Nassau line. From then on, the Grand Duchy had its own dynasty. During the First and Second World Wars, its independence was seriously challenged. Its status as a founding country gives Luxembourg an important role to play in the construction of a united Europe. Indeed, since 1952, the Grand Duchy has been the home of the Headquarters of the European Coal and Steel Community and today Luxembourg is still host to some major European bodies.		Urban Architecture The enfranchisement of towns allowing them to hold markets and courts of justice permitted the development of a commercial and administrative middle class which, alongside the religious orders, encouraged the arts. The industrial revolution in the mid 19th century brought major changes. The establishment of new political, economic, social and legal structures encouraged investment. Demographic migrations made themselves felt and the first modern towns made their appearance. Located at the meeting point of Latin and Germanic cultures and in the absence of a complete university education, investors and architects have been largely influenced by their country of origin or their training. So architecturally, Luxembourg became a veritable melting pot of artistic trends and movements. The most prestigious buildings in the “historicist style” are: -the Head Office of the State Bank and Savings Bank (BCEE), Place de Metz à Luxembourg, architecte Jean- Pierre Koenig -the Arcelor Head Office, avenue de la Liberté, Luxembourg, architects Sosthène Weis and René Théry - Chamber of Deputies [lower house of parliament], architect Antoine Hartmann -the Adolphe Bridge with its single stone arch which, at the time of its construction, had the longest span in the world (84.65 metres), architect Paul Séjourné. Art Nouveau is represented by villas in Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette and Mondorf-les-Bains, designed by Georges Traus, Mathias Martin and Alphonse Kemp. Art Deco is represented notably by Louis Rossi and Bauhaus by Tony Biver Modern Architecture -“Circuit architectural au centre de la ville de Luxembourg” - “Luxembourg City Centre architecture trail” This walk illustrates the efforts that architects have made to integrate modern buildings into traditional settings. It is particularly interesting for developments in the 1930s and 1950s as well as the late 1990s and early 21st century. - “Promenade architecturale au quartier de la gare” - “Station district architecture trail” Discover the homogenous architecture of the “plateau Bourbon” with buildings in the historicist, Art Nouveau and Art Deco (late 19th and early 20th century) styles.

Some Highlights

In the surrounding area

Saint-Jean Church
The church of Saint-Jean was built at the same time as Neumunster Abbey in 1606. The present appearance of the church dates back to the years 1688 and 1705. Of particular interest are the very ornate, baroque style, furnishings, an organ dating from 1710 and a 14th century black Madonna.

St Michel Church
The origins of the church of St Michel date back to 987. It was damaged several times during successive sieges of the fortress, then rebuilt and enlarged. The present gothic style church dates from 1519. Its baroque ceiling and altar by B. Namur form a harmonious whole.

Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame cathedral was built between 1613 and 1621 by the Jesuits to serve as a church for the college (now the National Library). The North door is characteristic of the half Renaissance – half baroque style of the period. Designated a cathedral church in 1870, it was enlarged from 1935 to 1938.
The crypt is the resting place of Jean l’Aveugle [John the Blind], King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg, and of deceased members of the grand-ducal family.

The castle of the counts of Luxembourg dates from about 963. It is the birthplace of the city and country of Luxembourg although it is not the oldest castle on Luxembourgish land. It was ravaged by the flames of the fire of 1459, and its remains were incorporated into the system of fortifications of the Bock. An archaeological crypt tells the story of the castle and fortress.

The grand-ducal palace
The present grand ducal palace was built in 1572-74 to fulfil the function of a City Hall. It subsequently became a Prefecture, then the seat of Government. In 1890, the old City Hall was converted into a Grand-Ducal palace.

Citadel of St-Esprit
The construction in 1685 of two bastions and a ravelin pointing at the town cut the Plateau of St-Esprit off from the town to form a citadel reinforced by ramparts on the south side.

The pill-boxes of Le Bock
Le Bock became famous as an extraordinary fortification under Austrian rule in the 18th century. Underground works were carried out from 1737 to 1746 to accommodate 50 cannons and a garrison of 1,200 men. In 1875, the superstructure of Le Bock, a very large structure, was razed to the ground, except for one tower.

The pill-boxes of La Pétrusse
Their origin dates back to 1644 when the Spanish were updating the mediaeval defences and constructed huge bastions, like that of Le Beck, the platform of which is now occupied by the present Place de la Constitution. It is one of the very few fortifications in large part preserved. Marshall Vauban gave the pill-boxes of La Pétrusse their present form and the Austrians set up the Battery of La Pétrusse here in 1746.

PARKS & GARDENS

La Pétrusse Gardens
These gardens have been laid out in a romantic spirit, and include rocks, ruined fortifications, bastions and flora and form an attractively coherent whole. The town’s old terraced market gardens and the Neumunster convent garden have been re-established.

Arboretum
Ecology and hospitality were the watchwords in the creation of an arboretum in the European district of Kirchberg. Tree species and rock samples from the 15 member states of the European Union are assembled here.

Tony Neuman Park
The gardens of Maître Tony Neuman, laid out from 1946 by Alphonse Hollamann, present some 700 different species and a real collection of sculptures, some from the hands of some distinguished names, including Wercollier, Penalba, Chaim and Haber.

La Vallée des Sept Châteaux [The Valley of the Seven Châteaux]
Tour includes the châteaux and castles of:
· Ansembourg (castle and château)
· Hollenfels
· Koerich
· Mersch
· Schoenfels
· Septfontaines

The Hollenfels Castle in the Vallée des Sept Châteaux
Built on a rocky spur, the castle dates back to the 14th century. A residential building and water supply were added in the 18th and 20th centuries respectively. The five storey keep is the finest example of a mediaeval house in our region. In the present day, a youth hostel has been created within the castle walls and an ecological centre is housed in the keep.

Archaeological site at Boevange-sur-Attert
Gallo-Roman tumulus (3rd century AD) at Bill.
In 58 BC after the conquest of the Gauls by Julius Caesar and Labienus, the Pax Romana introduced the Christian faith, stimulated the cultivation of vines and fruit trees and spread the taste for Roman architecture which gradually replaced the huts of the Treviri established in the region before its conquest by Caesar.
When, in 395 the prefecture of the praetor of the Gauls in Treves withdrew to Arles, present-day Luxembourg lands were made part of the Roman Empire.

Castles and archaeological at Koerich
-Ruins of the feudal castle
-Archaeological site in the “Miecher” forest near Goeblange., ruins of 2 Gallo-Roman farm buildings. 3.5 km from this villa rustica, five 8th century Merovingian burial mounds.
- Concerts in Koerich church (see Echternach Festival )
Series from October to March.
The apogee of baroque art in Luxembourg, Koerisch church was built between 1747 and 1748. Its interior was embellished by Luxembourgish artists and craftsmen from 1755.

Food & Drink				Festivals, Traditional customs
Starters - Uitsmijter: bread, gouda cheese, ham, fried egg. - Potage de pois cassés. Split pea soup - Consommé couronné : consommé, puff pastry. - Potage aux Choux de Bruxelles: Brussels sprout soup - Soupe de légumes, boulettes de viande: vegetable soup with meatballs made with shin of beef, celery, cauliflower. - Croquettes aux crevettes: shrimp croquettes coated in breadcrumbs. Main courses - Filets de sole à la bière: fillet of sole, shallots in light beer. - Truites à la crème: trout in cream - Anguilles au vert: eels with green herbs (sorrel, cress, etc.) - Carbonade flamande: beef in beer. - Waterzooi de poulet: chicken poached in stock, with cream. - Waterzooi de poissons: cod, monkfish and eel poached in stock, with cream - Hochepot des Flandres : beef, mutton, sausage, haricot bean & potato hotpot - Hutspot : beef, smoked sausage, potato & onion hotpot. - Endives (chicons) braisées à la flamande: Flemish style braised chicory		Desserts - Boterhock: almond cake. - Pannekoeken : brioche with gouda, diced bacon, apple, raisin and jam filling. - Tarte au sucre: sugar tart - Tarte liégeoise aux pommes et aux prunes. Apple and plum tart flavoured with juniper berries and gin - Beignets aux pommes: apple doughnuts - Café et chocolat liégeois: Coffee and chocolate liégeois - Miel luxembourgeois: Luxembourgish honey Drinks -Crémant de Luxembourg: sparkling wine - Les liqueurs luxembourgeoises ( Blackcurrant liqueur, pine liqueur, 30 plants liqueur) -Les bières au fût: beers from the barrel		Buurgbrennen (burial of winter) March 5 Youngsters erect wooden crosses on the hills, surrounded by any combustible scrap wood, twigs and logs, that they happily set alight at nightfall. The origins of the ‘Feux de Carême’ [Lent bonfires] date back to pagan times. Printemps Musical march/april Spring 2006 will see the 24th edition of "Printemps Musical-festival de Luxembourg". Since it was founded in 1983, the festival has developed its own philosophy: not to be restrictive but rather to be open to all forms of musical expression. As well as the programme of classical music, jazz and song are also in pride of place each year, all performed not only by famous international artists but also by talented local performers. Octave May 7-12 Annual pilgrimage in honour of Notre-Dame de Luxembourg. Since 1628, Catholics of the Grand-Duchy and neighbouring regions have come to venerate the 'Comforter of the Afflicted'. In the square opposite the cathedral a traditional Octave market is held, with food stalls and souvenir shops. Clôture de l'Octave: a solemn procession in which the grand ducal sovereigns and foreign Catholic dignitaries take part. International Museums’ Day May 18-19 Museums’ Night October 14 First held in 2001, “La Nuit des Musées” [Museums’ Night] has been a resounding success with the public of Luxembourg and the Grande-Région [greater Luxembourg]. Live at Vauban From 7 October to 16 December, rock and jazz are in pride of place at the Atelier concert hall, the Conservatoire de Musique concert hall and the new Philharmonie hall with a mouthwatering bill. Echternach International Festival (Echternach, north-east) May - Jully www.echternachfestival.lu Wiltz Festival (Wiltz is about sixty kilometres north of the capital) June-Jully www.festivalwiltz.lu

Things to Do		Hotels		Restaurants
National Museum of History and Art The Visual Arts section of this museum in the capital provides an opportunity to view a wide range of 18th to 20th century Luxembourgish painting. Of especial interest are pictures by Joseph Kutter, Dominique Lang, Eugène Mousset, Jean-Pierre Beckius, Nico Klopp and Auguste Trémont; but there are also some post-impressionist watercolours by Sosthène Weis, as well as sculptures by Auguste Trémont and Lucien Wercollier. An unquestionably original contemporary art collection is also on display at the museum. Villa Voban A municipal art gallery named after its most important patron, Jean-Pierre Pescatore. Works exhibited included paintings by 17th and 18th century Dutch and Flemish artists, together with 14th century works by French, Belgian, Italian, German and Swiss painters. The “Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain” The “Casino Luxembourg - Forum d’art contemporain” operates in the same way as a “Kunsthalle” [an arts centre with no permanent collection], and throughout the year puts on exhibitions of the art of today, with emphasis on the diversity and complexity of current approaches. “Am Tunnel” Gallery of Contemporary Art The State Bank and Savings Bank’s “Am Tunnel” Gallery of Contemporary Art is an unusual space 15 metres below ground. It houses an impressive collection of contemporary visual art work by 100 Luxembourgish artists. Museum of the History of the City of Luxembourg Housed in the former refuge of Orval Abbey and in a few patrician houses in the centre of the old town, this museum relates the history of the city through models, archaeological finds and temporary exhibitions. “Natur musée” Museum of Natural History Natural history in this museum is experienced as a real exploration of the world. Internationally famous modern permanent and temporary exhibitions present the natural sciences from a different angle. Throughout the year, the “natur musée” offers a programme of lectures, guided tours and workshops for all ages. Museum of Banking Come and learn about 140 years of banking tradition and innovation at this museum in the very heart of the Head Office of the Luxembourg State Bank and Savings Bank. The development of the bank and the role of finance through time, its contribution to Luxembourg’s prosperity and the services it offers today will be presented to you throughout your visit.		Hôtel Le Royal www.hotelroyal.lu Hotel Le Royal is ideally located in the heart of Luxembourg City, between the green parks and the “mini Wall Street,” within walking distance of the old quarter of the city, and only a few steps from the main shopping area. All rooms are fully equipped with individual air-conditioning, two-line telephones, 32-channel satellite televisions with interactive services, fax machines, and personal computer connections. The hotel is part of the “Leading Hotels of the World”. Hôtel Sofitel Europe www.sofitel.com The hotel is ideally located on the Kirchberg Plateau, in the heart of European Institutions, the financial district of Luxembourg and 10 minutes from the airport. 100 rooms and 4 suites. Gourmet Italian restaurant "Oro e Argento". "Le Glaçon rouge"bar."Le Havana Lounge" salon-club where cigars lovers can taste the best puros. Grand Hotel Cravat Luxembourg www.hotelcravat.lu Located in a quiet area in the heart of the city overlooking the "Vallée de la Pétrusse". All 60 rooms offer all comforts. Hotel Rix www.hotelrix.lu The RIX Hotel is a pleasant small hotel in the heart of Luxembourg City. Located next to the business and banking world, besides the town park, the main shopping avenues and the tourist attractions can be reached within few minutes.		Restaurant Clairefontaine Gourmet Restaurant located in the city centre. http://www.restaurantclairefontaine.lu Restaurant Speltz 8, rue Chimay Tél. (+352) 47 49 50 www.restaurantspeltz.lu Very nice and welcoming environment. Restaurant Sieweburen Local Cuisine and season specialities. Located in the countryside, 3 km from Luxembourg near to the «Bambësh». 36, rue des Septfontaines Tél. (+352) 44 23 56 Restaurant maison des brasseurs Local Cuisine with specialities such as : judd mat gaardebounen, coq au riesling, blood sausage. 48, Grande rue Tél. (+352) 47 13 71 Restaurant La Pomme Cannelle With a luminous decor of old spices counters with the predominant warmth of bamboo and cinnamon colours. Discover the delicate mix of a traditional cuisine with spices from all over the world. Hôtel le Royal 12, Boulevard Royal Tél. (+352) 24 16 16-736 Restaurant Le bouquet garni St Michel 32, rue de l’eau Tél. (+352) 26 20 06 20 Restaurant Le Grimpereau 140, rue de Cents Tél. (+352) 43 67 87 www.legrimpereau.lu Mercedes Café Luxembourg Jan Schneidewind Bistrot Cuisine with the surrounding countryside products. 45, rue de Bouillon Tél. (+352) 40801-297 www.schneidewind.lu Brasserie Kirchberg 193, rue du Kirschberg Tél. (+352) 43 40 43 www.brasseriekirschberg.lu Typical Brasserie with a large choice of the local cuisine. Restaurant-Brasserie Um Dierfgen 6, Côte d'Eich Tél. (+352) 226141 www.umdierfgen.lu Local Cuisine, traditional rustic style open for 40 years.