Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg (must see)
Nestled in the historic quarter of Ville Haute, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is a timeless gem combining architectural elegance and spiritual depth. Originally built as a Jesuit church between 1613 and 1621, under the direction of Brother Jean du Blocq and Ulrich Job, it was granted cathedral status in 1870 and stands today as the only cathedral in the Grand Duchy. Its fa莽ade, with three distinct towers added during the 1935鈥�38 expansion, marks a striking silhouette on the city skyline.
This sacred space delights visitors with a rich mix of late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque design elements鈥攆rom the soaring pointed arches and cylindrical pillars to the ornate alabaster carvings and sculpted pulpit that brings biblical stories to life. Inside, the cloistered nave and choir are illuminated by masterful stained鈥慻lass windows, crafted by artists such as Louis Barillet and Josef Oberberger, which bathe the interior in vibrant, multicolored light.
At the heart of the cathedral lies the venerated statue of Our Lady of Luxembourg鈥攁lso known as 鈥淐onsolatrix Afflictorum鈥濃�攖he nation鈥檚 patron saint. This 16th-century wooden Madonna and Child holds deep religious and patriotic significance. It is paraded through the streets during the annual Octave pilgrimage in spring, a culminating tradition that dazzles with devotion and local festivity. The crypt also contains the tombs of Luxembourg鈥檚 Grand Dukes and prominent national figures.
Admission is free, and the cathedral is conveniently open daily鈥攖ypically from early morning until evening鈥攚ith optional audio-guide tours available in multiple languages. Whether you're drawn by architectural grandeur, spiritual solace, or cultural heritage, Notre鈥慏ame Cathedral offers a powerful and memorable welcome to Luxembourg City.
Why You Should Visit:
Visitors who are interested in art or Gothic architecture will love this stop. The stained glass windows are gorgeous, even in dim light.
Tip:
Anyone considering the rooftop trip 鈥� make sure you fit, as it's a spiral staircase top to bottom with only a brief rest area in a gift shop. Fantastic view from the top, but a trek! Don't forget to also visit the crypt, which is decidedly cooler on hot days.
This sacred space delights visitors with a rich mix of late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque design elements鈥攆rom the soaring pointed arches and cylindrical pillars to the ornate alabaster carvings and sculpted pulpit that brings biblical stories to life. Inside, the cloistered nave and choir are illuminated by masterful stained鈥慻lass windows, crafted by artists such as Louis Barillet and Josef Oberberger, which bathe the interior in vibrant, multicolored light.
At the heart of the cathedral lies the venerated statue of Our Lady of Luxembourg鈥攁lso known as 鈥淐onsolatrix Afflictorum鈥濃�攖he nation鈥檚 patron saint. This 16th-century wooden Madonna and Child holds deep religious and patriotic significance. It is paraded through the streets during the annual Octave pilgrimage in spring, a culminating tradition that dazzles with devotion and local festivity. The crypt also contains the tombs of Luxembourg鈥檚 Grand Dukes and prominent national figures.
Admission is free, and the cathedral is conveniently open daily鈥攖ypically from early morning until evening鈥攚ith optional audio-guide tours available in multiple languages. Whether you're drawn by architectural grandeur, spiritual solace, or cultural heritage, Notre鈥慏ame Cathedral offers a powerful and memorable welcome to Luxembourg City.
Why You Should Visit:
Visitors who are interested in art or Gothic architecture will love this stop. The stained glass windows are gorgeous, even in dim light.
Tip:
Anyone considering the rooftop trip 鈥� make sure you fit, as it's a spiral staircase top to bottom with only a brief rest area in a gift shop. Fantastic view from the top, but a trek! Don't forget to also visit the crypt, which is decidedly cooler on hot days.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Luxembourg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Notre-Dame Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: Notre-Dame Cathedral
Sight Location: Luxembourg, Luxembourg (See walking tours in Luxembourg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Luxembourg, Luxembourg (See walking tours in Luxembourg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Create Your Own Walk in Luxembourg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Luxembourg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Luxembourg Introduction Walking Tour
The capital city of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is known as Luxembourg City. The Romans had built small forts here that guarded two roads that passed through. But it was Count Seigfried in 963 who began the town by building a castle on the Bock promontory. A small church followed on the site of present day St. Michael鈥檚 Church. Soon a community sprang up along the Roman road.
Bock Rock... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Bock Rock... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Chocolates and Pastries Walking Tour
A tiny European nation wedged between Belgium, France, and Germany, Luxembourg may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of chocolate and pastry. Still, the country's capital, Luxembourg City, has a burgeoning confectionery scene that can successfully compete with its renowned Belgian and French counterparts.
One must-visit spot for pastry enthusiasts here is La... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
One must-visit spot for pastry enthusiasts here is La... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Souvenir Shopping Tour
Luxembourg, a picturesque European nation, offers a delightful array of souvenir shopping experiences, allowing you to carry a piece of its charm back home.
Start your journey at the Luxembourg City Tourist Office, where you can acquire traditional souvenirs such as postcards and keychains, along with valuable information about the city's attractions.
The Market on Place Guillaume II is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Start your journey at the Luxembourg City Tourist Office, where you can acquire traditional souvenirs such as postcards and keychains, along with valuable information about the city's attractions.
The Market on Place Guillaume II is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Sourvenir Shopping: 16 Unique Things to Buy in Luxembourg
Let alone their products, what does the rest of the world know or hear, in general, about Luxembourg other than the Duke of Luxembourg or Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) which is in Paris after all? Unless you live nearby (France, Germany or Belgium) and have frequently visited the country,...