Page 248 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Belgium & Luxembourg

246  BEL GIUM AND L UXEMBOURG REGION B Y REGION

Street-by-Street: The Old Town

With its cliffs and deep river valleys, La Vieille Ville (The Old Town) has GRAND RUE
one of the most remarkable locations in any capital city. Although
vestiges remain of the mighty military fortifications, which once
defended the city in concentric rings, it is the refined elegance of 18th- PLACE D´ARMES
and 19th-century urban building that predominates, with the Palais
Grand-Ducal as the centrepiece. Two of the city’s best museums are
also found here. But the highlights of the area are the spectacular
views, notably from the Place de la Constitution, the Plateau du
St-Esprit and the Chemin de la Corniche.
RUE CHIMAY RUE DU CURÉ

Place Guillaume II BOULEVARD F D ROOSEVELT
The city’s largest square is
named after Grand Duke
William II (r.1840–49), whose
equestrian statue stands in
the centre. The 19th-century
Neo-Classical Hôtel de Ville RUE DE LA CONGRÉ
lines the entire southern side
of the square, which is also Gëlle Fra
known as the Knuedler. The Monument of
Remembrance, in the
Place de la Constitution,
is a statue on a tall
granite obelisk. It
commemorates RUE DU ST-ESPRIT
soldiers who served
in World War I.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
Central to the public life of the
nation, Cathédrale Notre-Dame
was originally a Jesuit church,
consecrated in 1621. It became a
cathedral when the Grand Duchy
was awarded its own bishopric in
1870. The ornately carved gallery
forming the organ loft dates from
the 17th century.

The Plateau du St-Esprit is
a spur of rock fortified in the
1680s. After sensitive
modernization, it became
the site of the Cité Judiciaire,
headquart ers of the
country’s justice system.
For hotels and restaurants see p271 and pp292–3

246-247_EW_Belgium.indd 246 18/10/16 3:02 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm