City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications
Luxembourg ·
Description
Luxembourg is a city built for war that found peace. The Casemates, 23 km of rock-carved tunnels, defended Europe for centuries. Today, the old town sprawls over vertiginous cliffs while Grund quarter rests in the Alzette valley. It's small but perfect: banks and Eurocrats coexist with medieval squares.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Luxembourg was one of Europe's greatest fortresses for four centuries. The Casemates are a unique defensive system. The old town preserves high-quality medieval and Renaissance architecture.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being one of Europe's greatest fortresses with unique defensive system and quality medieval architecture.
It was inscribed in 1994 under criterion (iv).
23 km of defensive tunnels carved in rock; part can be visited.
For its impregnable strategic position, disputed by all European powers.
Yes, one of Europe's most expensive; it's home to EU institutions and banks.