Introduction
The city of Luxembourg is the capital of Luxembourg, a small country nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany in northern Europe. It is a centuries-old city that survived repeated attacks from various invaders. Luxembourg is located along the Alzette River in the south-central part of the country. Today the city of Luxembourg is a mix of historic sites and modern office buildings.
Places of interest
With its long and rich past, Luxembourg has many important historic sites. The most famous site in the city is the Bock promontory, which is a high point of land that projects out over lower land. This is where the Count of Ardennes built the fortress from which the city grew. Although the original fortress is gone, some of the later additions still exist there. These include the 17th-century casements, or underground chambers used for defense.
The Fish Market, which is actually a plaza, is in the center of the old town. Surrounding the Fish Market are many historic buildings, including the National Museum of History and Art. Another important site in Luxembourg's old town is the Grand Ducal Palace, which is home to the country's royal family. Built in the 16th century, the building has been used as a palace since 1890. The 17th-century Notre Dame Cathedral contains the tombs of some members of the royal family.
Luxembourg is also known for its shopping and restaurants. The Place d'Armes was completed in the 17th century, and around the plaza are pedestrian zones with many boutiques, shopping arcades, cafés, bistros, and restaurants. Not far from the town is a World War II military cemetery with the graves of more than 5,000 U.S. soldiers. One of America's best-known military leaders, General George S. Patton, is buried there.
Economy
Luxembourg has long been a major road and railway center. The city also has a thriving financial sector with an emphasis on banking. Luxembourg is the seat of the European Investment Bank and the European Monetary Fund.
History
In the 10th century, the Count of Ardennes built a fortress on the Bock promontory. The city of Luxembourg developed around this fortress. Over the next 800 years, Luxembourg was repeatedly attacked and rebuilt. Eventually, this fortress town grew into the country of Luxembourg.
Luxembourg's small size and location in the center of Europe continued to make it the victim of conquests. It was not until 1867—after centuries of rule by first the French, then the Austrians, and later the Prussians—that Luxembourg became an independent nation. After independence, the city of Luxembourg's mighty fortress was mostly taken apart. In 1994 the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named Luxembourg's old town a World Heritage site. Population (2000 estimate), 80,700.
