We are studying Luxembourg. Palace of the Grand Duke - the main attraction of the Grand Duchy

Tiny Luxembourg is located between Germany, France and Belgium. Its territory covers just over 2500 square kilometers. It is the second smallest member of the European Union. And although the country lacks the size, it is filled with economic development and cultural and historical heritage. The state is classified as the last great duchy in the world, and the Luxembourg Palace of the Grand Duke, the home of the Grand Duke, is considered one of the country's main attractions.

History

The residence of the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (the palace of the Grand Duke) was built in the 16th century and was originally used as a town hall. Over the centuries, the building was rebuilt several times and repaired. In 1890, an architect from Brussels, Charles Arendt, transformed the town hall to the dwelling of monarchs. From this moment the rulers of the country live here, and since 1977 the Tourist Information Bureau of the city of Luxembourg organizes excursions for all comers in the summer. After a lengthy renovation in the autumn of 2015, the house of the head of state of Luxembourg (the palace of the Grand Duke) officially reopened its doors for the curious public.

Architecture: interior and exterior

The current view of the building demonstrates the best traditions of the Flemish architectural renaissance in the country. The interior of the palace is impressive with luxurious wide staircases made of marble and huge light halls. The accent in the interior is made on a gold finish and curtains. Huge chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the walls are decorated with old paintings, placed in dense, heavy gilded frames.

Among other things, you will see a room for official receptions and an entrance to a two-way balcony, from where on special occasions the family of the Grand Duke welcomes the population. And also for viewing the office of the Grand Dukes and the dining room. An impressive staircase leads to the second floor. There you will see family portraits and old maps, carpets and other artifacts that have witnessed the past centuries.

In fact, the Grand Duke actually does not live in the palace. He lives in a castle in Colmar Berg, which is about 35 minutes drive from the city center. And the head of the state of Luxembourg (the palace of the Grand Duke) uses his residence for official events. The heads of foreign states are accommodated here and they hold banquets throughout the year.

What is remarkable

The palace is guarded by the armed forces of Luxembourg, and the changing of the guard became quite a spectacular event. If you are in Luxembourg between July and September, you will certainly be able to attend a ceremony that takes place outside the front of the building. Groups of guards move with proudly raised heads in perfect synchrony. As you might expect, the military, under the sound of fanfare, changes places. The replaced soldiers move away from the palace along the nearby streets.

Spend some time exploring the magnificently furnished palace, visit the old quarters of the city and the fortifications. This is the ideal place to capture Luxembourg, the palace of the Grand Duke. Photo and video for a long time will remind you of an amazing journey.

When to visit?

Before you go to the Palace of the Grand Duke, it would be nice to learn some useful information about the visit:

• So, the tour lasts about 45 minutes. Book a tour is strongly recommended in advance, since the maximum number of participants in the group is 40.
• Excursions are held daily, except Wednesday. There is also the possibility of booking excursions in several languages.
• Admission price for adults is 10 €, for children - half. Revenues from ticket sales go to charity. Please note that tickets can be purchased only at the Tourist Information Office of the city of Luxembourg, in the Guillaume II square.

This is the brief summary of the residence of the head of state of Luxembourg (the palace of the Grand Duke)