© Chris Meisch
The Luxembourg City Tourist Office has launched a new guided tour, inviting residents and visitors to explore the nation's monarchy through its landmarks, stories, and rulers, from Count Siegfried's fortress to today's Grand Duke Guillaume.
The tour begins on Place Guillaume II, where Luxembourg's history itself took root.
Among the guides leading the tour is 86-year-old Renée Noesen, whose enthusiasm for Luxembourg's history remains undimmed. Participants listened to her explain how, in 963, Count Siegfried purchased a small fortress on the Bock promontory, known historically as the Lucilinburhuc, which became the cradle of modern Luxembourg. Over the centuries, through rulers, treaties, and political crises, this small stronghold evolved into an independent Grand Duchy, today the only one of its kind in Europe, Noesen explained.
Asked about her passion, Noesen explained that continuing to share the country's story is deeply rewarding for her, saying she still prepares talks and remembers almost every historical detail, though, she joked, not necessarily family birthdays.
The route follows the timeline of Luxembourg’s rulers, starting at the Place Guillaume II and passing sites such as the monument to Princess Amélie, wife of Prince Henri of Orange-Nassau, before returning to the Grand Ducal Palace. In the heart of the city, monuments, buildings, and symbols of the monarchy stand just steps apart, forming a rich historical tapestry.
According to Tanja Bollendorf, the coordinator of guided tours at the Luxembourg City Tourist Office, the timing of the throne accession provided the perfect opportunity to launch this initiative. She said the goal was to rekindle public interest in the monarchy's story, explaining how Luxembourg became a Grand Duchy, what challenges it has faced through the centuries, and how each monarch contributed to shaping the nation.
Running since 1 October, the tour lasts about two hours and will continue to be offered throughout the year. Early participants have already expressed curiosity and delight at discovering lesser-known aspects of Luxembourg's royal past.
From Guillaume I, who established Luxembourg as a Grand Duchy in the 19th century, to the current Grand Duke Guillaume, who now defines his role within a modern democracy, visitors hear a wealth of anecdotes and insights into the monarchy's evolution.
Few people may realise, for instance, that Luxembourg once nearly became part of France, or that the Adolphe Bridge was the first in the world to feature such a large stone arch without a central pillar. These and many other stories await those who join 'Sous le signe de la couronne: découverte des monarques du Luxembourg, a journey through the fascinating legacy of Luxembourg's monarchy.
