The City of Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in the world with 2,600 km2, is known for the striking contrast between its old fortifications, classic 18th and 19th century buildings, and modern architectural gems. Today there is a veritable architectural boom as Luxembourg's economic prosperity provides a basis for developments in the financial, EU and cultural sectors with a number of world-class buildings. Luxembourg’s architecture allows you to experience a real journey through time and civilizations.
History
The architecture of Luxembourg appears to have its origins in the 1st or 2nd century BC when the Treveri, a prosperous Celtic Tribe, developed an oppidum on Titelburg in the south-western corner of the country. The Romans, who occupied the area from 53 BC until the middle of the 5th century, are responsible for the remains of a number of villas across the country, especially in Echternach, Mamer and Goblange. The Echternach site covers a huge area (118 by 62 metres), where there was a luxurious mansion from about 70 AD with 40 (later 60) rooms. It had balnae, a water heating system as well as additional buildings serving the surrounding farming community.
Castles and Churches
Luxembourg’s Gothic architecture is unmistakable, but just beneath the surface lie many original Renaissance elements and adornments.
One of the country's most famous monuments, the imposing Castle of Vianden, was built between the 11th and 13th centuries on the site of a Gallo-Roman castellum. Initially designed as a fort, a square tower, a kitchen, a chapel and living rooms were added around 1100. During the 12th century, a new tower containing living quarters was built together with a prestigious new decagonal chapel. The final alterations took place in the middle of the 13th century when the Gothic style was introduced throughout the building. Luxembourg has many other medieval castles, most of them now in ruins. Such as Bourscheid Castle, Beaufort Castle, Clervaux Castle, and Hollenfels Castle.
Luxembourg also has a number of architecturally interesting churches. The Abbey of Echternach is the oldest Anglo-Saxon monastery in continental Europe. After the original buildings had burnt down in 1017, a new abbey was built. The church was originally Romanesque in style, but there were Gothic additions in the 14th and 16th centuries. Other churches include the chapel in Vianden Castle, St. Lawrence’s church, St Michael’s Church, and the Romano-Gothic church.
There are a number of other buildings of architectural interest in the city of Luxembourg.
The Grand-Ducal Palace was originally built as Luxembourg's city hall in 1573. Count Pierre Ernest de Mansfeld, the governor, was probably involved in the design. After serious damage during the siege by Vauban, major repairs were carried out in the first half of the 18th century. Fort Thüngen located next to the Museum of Modern Art in Luxembourg City was built by the Austrian engineer Simon de Beauffe in 1733. It was extended by the Prussians in 1837 and 1860 but was destroyed in 1874. It has now been restored.
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