RTL Today - Religion: Holy Luxembourg - Churches in the Grand Duchy

After a short run-up of the country’s libraries and museums, here we have a look at the different churches the Grand Duchy has to boast about. It’s the first part of a short series – and we would love it if we had your input!

Those that live here are well acquainted with the country’s aesthetic qualities. Even if you don’t venture out of the capital, our city’s old town and Pétrusse valley are quite a sight to behold. The more adventurous of us will know the country’s sprawling landscapes, walks, etc – long story short, Luxembourg has a bit of everything in a relatively small area, at least compared to our neighbours.

To start off, we take a look at what the capital has to offer. However, if you have any photos and nuggets of information concerning churches and chapels in your area – especially the ones that are lesser known – send them in to audience@rtltoday.lu (credit guaranteed)!

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Rue Notre Dame, 2240 Luxembourg

The most well-known religious landmark of the country, the Roman Catholic Cathedral – initially a Jesuit church built in the 17^th century – with semi-Renaissance, semi-Baroque and neo-Gothic features and beautiful stained glass windows is one well worth a visit. A cathedral church in 1870, the building was enlarged from 1935 to 1938, and is home to many a famous Luxembourger: John the Blind, King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg, as well as deceased members of the Grand Ducal family.

Saint Michael’s Church

Rue Sigefroi, 2536 Luxembourg

Luxembourg City’s longest-standing religious building, St Michael’s dates back to 987. Home to a tumultuous past that saw its walls erased and rebuilt multiple times, the edifice owes its current face to the 1688 reconstruction. Further restorations in 1960 and 1980 now see the church unite Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Trinity Church

5 Rue de la Congrégation, 1352 Luxembourg

Considered sacred ground as early as 1313, the church standing there today, the first large Baroque building of the city, was erected in 1737 after the original chapel was destroyed following Louis XIV’s invasion in 1684.

Saint Peter and Paul Church

10 Rue Jean-Pierre Probst, 2352 Luxembourg

As the first – and only – Russian Orthodox Church in the Grand Duchy, the St. Peter and Paul Church is quite the attraction from outside alone. Built in 1979, the building’s gold and blue domes attest to how traditional architecture can be stunning.

Quirinus Chapel

Rue Saint Quirin, 2381 Luxembourg

Carved into the side of the rock along the Vallée de la Pétrusse, this small chapel benefits from a romantic setting as much as it does from the mystery emanating from its apparent desertion. Named after the Patron Saint of Luxembourg City, Saint Quirin, a natural spring running beneath the chapel to this day is said to have healing powers. A consecrated site since the 11^th century, services were held in the two caves from the 13^th onwards, while the Gothic pilgrimage chapel was erected in 1355, with the roof and belltowers finally topping it off at the end of the 19^th century.

St John du Grund

Rue Münster, 1917 Luxembourg

Built in tandem with the Abbey of Neumünster in 1606, the church of St John has it’s current appearance since building works that lasted from 1688 - 1705. Alongside boasting a magnificent location, it's home to a Renaissance portal and Baroque interior, vaulted ceilings, an impressive organ and an icon of Madonna in the side chapel.