"LUXEMBOURG" a Luxembourg Travel Page by bugulma

I was in Luxembourg one day only and first I didn't think that it was better to choose other day to visit the city. As a matter of fact it was December 24, the Christmas. But in any way the city is exciting even for one day and even in Christmas Eve. Whole day I spent in the center that is fortified with mighty walls and is rich with historical places. There are exciting views from the center walls to environs. Another thing which struck me very much is, because the city is small, there a lot of administrative buildings in the same area. Surprisingly for me they are guarded not much in comparison with what I see in Russia. And nobody could stop me – I looked to the window of Financial Ministry of Luxembourg. :-)
In the area the remains were found that date back to 5140 BC and these are one of the oldest human remains on Earth. First mention of Luxemburg as an independent territory was in 963 when Count Siegfried built the castle on the place and named it "Licilinbuhuc". Throughout the Middle Ages, the House of Luxembourg was able to extend its lands and was independent county. In 1443-1505 Luxembourg was a part of House of Burgundy; in 1506-1683 it was taken under Spanish control; in 1684-1696 – to France; in 1697-1714 – to Spain again; in 1715-1795 to Austria; 1796-1814 to France. Since 1815 Luxemburg became the capital of Grand-Duchy of Luxemburg, the country appeared after Vienna Congress after Napoleon wars. But for strategic reason, the King of Netherlands was appointed as Grand Duke of Luxembourg. At the same time Luxembourg was a part of German Union until 1867. Then, in 1830 Luxembourg took active part in Belgian Revolution and till 1839 Luxembourg became a part of Belgium. But in 1839 Luxembourg became independent state in nowadays borders. In 1867 Luxembourg declared the neutral position and Prussian garrison left the country. At the same time, the fortress of Luxembourg, that had 24 forts and 16 other strong fortification, had an extraordinary underground network of 23 km of casemates which could house not only thousands of soldiers with their equipment and horses, but also workshops and kitchens, was dismantled. In XX century Luxembourg played one of the main roles for building United Europe and European Union.