| Considered as a European model of openness, Luxembourg attracts attention for the variety of its landscapes and its important historic heritage. Its economic power is based on light industry as well as services and its legendary social stability based on compromise and open dialogue.
In 963, all began when Sigfried, count of Ardennes, acquired a rock called « Bock » in exchange for land given to the St. Maximin’s Abbey of Trier. He then extended the remains of a Roman castle called Lucilinburhuc ( « Little Fortress » ). Through the centuries, this small castle developed into a fortified town. In 1839, after several wars and foreign occupations, the Treaty of London confirmed Luxembourg’s independence. From that moment on, the territory took its present shape. Long before the official birth of the Grand Duchy, the Romans occupied the region. Remains from this period include one of the most famous discoveries, the mosaic of Vichten, exhibited since 1999 in the National Museum of History and Art in Luxembourg City. Since the beginnings in the early 1970’s, Luxembourg has become a great financial centre, thus continuing its integration into the European Union. Since this period, the financial sector boomed, more and more banks established in the Grand Duchy due to attractive tax regulations. The Grand Duke, as the head of State, guarantees the independence of the country and the continuity of a State which has been strongly affected by the vicissitudes of history. Article 33 of the Constitution stipulates that « The Grand Duke is the head of State, the symbol of its unity and the guarantor of national independence. He exercises in compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the country ». Focusing his reign on continuity, Grand Duke Henri, as the sixth sovereign of the Nassau-Weilbourg Dynasty, wants, in his own way, to continue the deep connection which unites the population with their sovereigns, following the path laid out by his father by combining tradition with modern ways. The variety of landscapes is one of Luxembourg’s greatest attractions. Situated in the north of the Grand Duchy, the « Oesling » region makes up the eastern portion of the Ardennes mountains. Richly wooded and covering about a third of the country, the « Oesling » is characteristic for its forests, its villages up high, as well as the plateaux carved out by its rivers. Separated by a narrow band of « Red Earth », the «Bassin minier» region locates the headquarters of the iron & steel industry. The valley of the « Moselle » -river, in the east of Gutland, is one of the finest centres in the country thanks to its wine-growing activities and its fine local specialties.
To finish this brief tour of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, whose historic district and some of its fortifications were declared « UNESCO World Heritage Site » in 1994. Luxembourg can offer numerous activities ( cultural, sporting, etc. ) providing visitors a pleasant stay. |