The history of Luxembourg is the most important thing. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - Lesser Switzerland

The historical region of Luxembourg exceeded the modern borders of the Grand Duchy, it also included the eponymous province of Belgium and small areas of neighboring countries. Now the country is a "triangle" (2586 km²) in the center of Western Europe, bordering France, Belgium and Germany.

Most of the territory is located at an altitude of 300 to 500 m above sea level. Northern part of the country, Essling (Oesling), located on the spurs of the Ardennes and the Rhine slate mountains. The relief of Esling is like a mosaic: wooded interfluve ridges, undulating foothills, river valleys. To the south, the mountains abruptly break off, forming a very rugged terrain in the central part of the country. Extreme southern part of Luxembourg, Gutland (Gutland.), is a low hilly plain, which gradually descends in stepped ridges from west to east to the wine-growing valley of the Moselle.

The climate of Luxembourg is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental. Winter is mild, the average temperature in January is from 0 to 2 °С, in July -17 °С. There is quite a lot of precipitation - 700-850 mm per year.

The rivers belong mainly to the Moselle river basin. Forests, mostly beech and oak, occupy more than a third of the country's territory. No wonder Luxembourg in the late XVIII - early XIX centuries was part of France under the name "Forest Department" (Forkt).

Story

2nd century The Romans captured the territory of the Celtic tribe of the Trevers.
5th century The territory of Luxembourg was conquered by the Franks. It later became part of Charlemagne's empire.
11th century Conrad I appropriated the title of Count of Luxembourg and became the ancestor of a dynasty that ruled until the 14th century. 1244. The city of Luxembourg received communal rights. 1437. The duchy passed into the possession of the Habsburgs.
1443. Luxembourg captured the Duke of Burgundy.
1477. The power of the Habsburgs is restored.
1555. The duchy passed to the Spanish king Philip II and, together with Holland and Flanders, fell under the rule of Spain.
17th century Luxembourg was repeatedly involved in wars between Spain and France.
1713. After long wars, Luxembourg fell under the rule of the Austrian Habsburgs.
1815. The Congress of Vienna created the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and gave it to King William I of the Netherlands.
1830. Belgium, which belonged to Wilhelm I, revolted, Luxembourg joined it, with the exception of the capital, which was held by the Prussian garrison.
1831. The Great Powers proposed to partition Luxembourg. His western (francophone) part became a province of independent Belgium.
1867. Under the agreement of the London Conference, the Prussian garrison was withdrawn, and the fortress was liquidated. The independence and neutrality of Luxembourg was proclaimed. The throne in the Grand Duchy remained with the Nassau dynasty.
1890. After the death of William III, the personal union of the Grand Duke with the Netherlands was interrupted (his daughter Wilhelmina succeeded to the Dutch throne). The Grand Duchy passed to another branch of the House of Nassau - Grand Duke Adolf became the ruler of Luxembourg.
1905-1912. The reign of William, son of Adolf.
1912-1919. Reign of Grand Duchess Mary Adelaide, daughter of Adolf.
1914. Luxembourg is captured by Germany, which promised Luxembourg to pay reparations for violating its neutrality (occupation continued until the end of World War I).
1940. Germany violated the neutrality of Luxembourg for the second time.
1942, August. Accession of Luxembourg to the Third Reich. The population of the country declared a general strike, to which the Germans responded with mass repressions.
1945. Luxembourg is liberated from German occupation.
1949. The country joined NATO.
1957. Luxembourg participates in the founding of the European Economic Community.
1999. Luxembourg joins the euro zone.
March 15, 2005 According to Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Luxembourg is recognized as the safest city in the world.

First thing

The tourist office sells two types of discount tourist cards.

With the Luxembourg Card, you can visit many attractions throughout the country and use public transport. The price depends on the validity of the card, there are also family cards (for a family of two to five people). Stater Museekart allows you to visit the main sights of the capital for free for 2 days, for example: the Museum of the History of the City of Luxembourg, the National Museum of History and Art, the Luxembourg Casino and the Bock Casemates.

Changing of the Guard

According to tradition, the throne of the Grand Duchy is transferred to the eldest man in the family, and if there is none, then the eldest daughter. The ducal family is very popular among the people. It symbolizes the stability and prosperity of the country.

In 1964, Grand Duke Jean succeeded to the throne after the 45-year reign of his mother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, and was at the head of the country until 2000, when he abdicated in favor of his eldest son Henri. Henri is married to Cuban Maria Theresa, they have 4 sons and a daughter.

In the centre of Europe

Luxembourg participated in the establishment of the UN, the Benelux, the European Union and the Schengen Agreement. Two representatives of Luxembourg - Gaston Thorne (1981-1984) and Jacques Santer (since 1995)- acted as presidents of EU commissions. Luxembourg is home to many institutions of the European Community, in particular the European Parliament (along with Strasbourg), Audit Commission, European Investment Bank and European Court of Auditors. Luxembourg presided over the European Union from July to December 1997.

However, the most striking event in the history of Luxembourg after the Second World War was the signing of a pan-European agreement (1985) near the Schengen village. From the name of this village comes the name of the visa to almost all European countries.

The history of Luxembourg reads like a compelling book of remarkable events in magnificent lands. Although Luxembourg was inhabited long before the formation of the Roman Empire, the birth of modern Luxembourg is associated with the name of Count Siegfried of the Ardennes, who built a castle here in 963 AD. and laid the foundation for a dynasty whose representatives became the largest rulers of Europe. At the end of the Middle Ages, the rulers of Burgundy, Spain, France, Australia and Prussia fought for the possession of the city of Siegfried. More than 20 times in 400 years, the city was captured, destroyed and rebuilt, and as a result, this city became the strongest fortress in Europe after Gibraltar.

Considered a "forest province" of France during Napoleonic rule, Luxembourg was incorporated with Belgium into the newly created United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1814. It collapsed 16 years later when Belgium seceded from the Netherlands, taking part of Luxembourg. This decision prompted the people of the Grand Duchy to fight for independence, and in 1830 the Dutch part of the country became the state now known as Luxembourg. In 1867, the London Treaty confirmed its autonomy. Soon after, the country declared its neutrality in all international affairs and - as a symbol of their newfound neutrality - the inhabitants set fire to their long-suffering fort.

The discovery of iron ore deposits in Luxembourg in 1850 contributed to the fact that by the beginning of the 20th century the country had become one of the most economically influential countries in Europe. (Steel exports still account for about a quarter of the country's exports.) The Grand Duchy responded very quickly to the economic crisis of the 70s by successfully attracting foreign capital through the introduction of new banking laws and favorable taxation. In 1948, after the Nazi occupation during World War II, Luxembourg renounced its neutrality and joined various international economic, political and military organizations, including NATO and the UN. The creation of the Benelux - the economic union of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg - was one of the most significant events in the economic sphere. It also served as a model for the creation of the European Union, of which Luxembourg was a founding member.

Luxembourg - POPULAR TOURS

ARTICLES ABOUT TOURISM

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In winter in Istanbul it is peaceful and a little dreary, in autumn in Istanbul it is colorful, in summer in Istanbul it is hot, in spring in Istanbul everything is fragrant. But it's always good and honestly romantic in Istanbul.

Luxembourg- a dwarf state in the very heart of Western Europe, so miniature and so perfect, is often deprived of the attention of an ordinary tourist, but the more expensive it is for connoisseurs of exquisite travel and untrodden routes. The total area of the Grand Duchy is only 2,590 sq. km, and the population is 502 thousand people, which is approximately equal to one small city.

A bit of history

Officially, the history of this miniature state began more than a thousand years ago, and the first mention of a small fortified village in this area dates back to 963, at the same time this territory gained independence. At that time, the area was called "Luklinburhuk", which, translated from the local dialect, meant "little castle" (the German version is "Lisilinburg"). However, the very first settlements in this area date back to the Upper Paleolithic, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. At the beginning of our era, the region was inhabited by the Gallic tribes, driven out by the Franks in the 5th century.

The independence of Luxembourg did not last long: in the period from the 15th to the 19th century, the duchy was in turn in the possession of Burgundy, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands and France. Finally, after the fall of Napoleon in 1815, Luxembourg was granted the status of Grand Duchy, headed by Willem I of the Dutch dynasty of Orange-Nassau. Full sovereignty was obtained and formalized on September 9, 1867, and Luxembourg was declared an independent and "always neutral" state.

Luxembourg city

The capital of the duchy is the city of the same name, and, despite its dwarf size, the state is divided into 3 districts and 12 cantons. I must say that in Luxembourg almost everything is “in miniature” and at first it really strikes the imagination.

Cities and villages, reserves and parks, farms and vineyards, coupled with an incredible variety of natural landscapes: fields, forests, mountains and river valleys - fill the world around us so bizarrely that the question involuntarily arises: how does everything fit in such a small area, and so harmoniously and harmonious? And this is the main attraction of Luxembourg.

Luxembourg- the city is small, but very beautiful and neat. It is the economic, cultural and historical center of the country. Geographically, the city is divided into two districts: Upper and Lower, which are separated from each other by rivers. Alzeta and Petrus. Many beautiful bridges connect the shores with each other, and the most remarkable is the famous adolphe bridge and Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge.

A distinctive feature of the capital is an incredible number of art galleries and various museums, so art lovers and connoisseurs of beauty will have long walks here, and even a few days will not be enough to see at least half.

The Museum of Natural History, ancient musical instruments, the history of the city, telecommunications and mail, fortifications and weapons, urban transport, folk life - this is not a complete list of possible places to visit. Of the art galleries, the most popular are Am Tunnel, Pescatore and Tutesal.

Little Switzerland

However, besides the capital, there are many other equally interesting places in the Grand Duchy. In the very south of the country in the lower reaches of the Ur is one of the most ancient and picturesque cities of Luxembourg - Echternach. Due to the mesmerizing landscape, where sharp mountain peaks alternate with deep gorges and green valleys, the area to the west of Echternach was called Mini-Switzerland.

Here you can visit Church of Saints Peter and Paul, one of the oldest in Europe, Benedictine monastery near the ancient basilica of St. Willibrord, the city market square with its authentic medieval flavor, as well as see the ruins of numerous castles and old city walls. Nearby is the most famous natural monument of "Little Switzerland" - a picturesque mountain Wolf's Past Canyon b, very popular among European tourists.

intoxicating journey

If you go to the eastern border of Luxembourg, you can get into the valley Moselle river. For centuries, the world-famous Moselle wine has been produced in this area. Thanks to the relatively warm and mild climate, winemaking and viticulture has been the main industry here for almost two millennia. In addition to the famous mosel wine, in the village taverns of the valley you can also try grape mash and delicious onion pie.

Thus, travelers who decide to visit Luxembourg are unlikely to regret their decision. This little magical country is so captivating with its unique charm, natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage that it will impress even the most sophisticated tourist.

The geographical position of Luxembourg has repeatedly made it the target of various conquerors. During its history it has been ruled by the Germans, Austrians, French, Spaniards and Dutch. But in spite of everything, the duchy was able to maintain its originality and eventually remain an independent state.

Historically, Luxembourg was called the territory much larger than is occupied by the duchy today. It included the Belgian province of the same name and a number of territories of neighboring countries. Actually "Luxembourg" is translated into Russian as "fortress" or "little castle". It was this name that the fortifications of the then capital bore, carved into the rock. Located in steep rocks on the river. Alzet, an impregnable fortress in Europe, was called the "Northern Gibraltar". It lasted until 1867.

The first fortifications in this area, convenient for defense, were erected by the Roman governors of the Gallic region of Belgica. After the fall of the empire, the province was taken over by the Franks (in the 5th century) and became part of the realm of Charlemagne, a descendant of Charlemagne, Siegfried, ruled the region at the end of the 9th century. Conrad became the first Count of Luxembourg who appropriated this title to himself in the 11th century. The dynasty he founded ruled the county until the 14th century. In 1244, the settlement of Luxembourg became a full-fledged city, while receiving the appropriate rights. In 1437, as a result of a dynastic marriage Duchy of Luxembourg became part of the Habsburg Empire. However, already in 1443 it was conquered by the Burgundians, who remained its sovereign masters for more than 30 years. In the middle of the 16th century, the duchy, together with Flanders and Holland, fell under the rule of the Spanish king Philip II.

In the next century, Luxembourg repeatedly became the scene of rivalry between powerful Spain and the growing power of France. The latter received the southwestern part of the duchy (including the cities of Montmedy and Thionville) as a result of the Treaty of the Pyrenees concluded in 1659. Twenty-five years later, the French managed to capture the Luxembourg fortress, which they held for 13 years until they were forced to return it to the Spaniards, along with the Belgian territories they occupied, under the Treaty of Ryswick. The period of bloody wars around Luxembourg ended in 1713, when it, together with Belgium, became the property of the Austrian Habsburgs.

This relatively peaceful period ended with the outbreak of the French Revolution. In 1795, the troops of the Republic occupied the duchy and held it until the end of the Napoleonic Wars. By decision of the Congress of Vienna Luxembourg became a Grand Duchy under the hand of the Dutch king William (Willem) I, who received it as compensation for the lands given to the Duchy of Hesse. At the same time, Luxembourg entered the German Confederation, which allowed the Prussians to keep their garrison in the capital's fortress.

In 1830, it was he who held the capital when the duchy joined the rebellion against the power of William I of Belgium. The result of the uprising was the separation of the western part of the duchy, inhabited mainly by the French-speaking population, and its entry into the now independent Belgian state. The greatly reduced Grand Duchy remained under the rule of the Dutch monarch, but the Great Powers made it clear during the 1839 conference in London that they considered Luxembourg an independent state, connected with the Netherlands only by a personal union of rulers. Three years later, Luxembourg became a member of the Customs Union of German States. After the collapse of the German Confederation in 1866, France began to express its dissatisfaction more and more openly with the presence of the Prussian garrison in the immediate vicinity of its borders. At the same time, the Dutch king Wilhelm III offered to cede the duchy to the French emperor Napoleon III, but these plans were prevented by another aggravation of Franco-Prussian relations. As a result of the second London conference, held in 1867, the Prussian garrison was withdrawn, Fortress Luxembourg razed, and the duchy became an independent neutral state, the throne of which was declared a privilege of the House of Nassau.

Shortly after the death of Wilhelm III in 1890, there was interrupted and personal union with the Netherlands, and another branch of the Nassau dynasty came to power in the duchy. Grand Duke Adolf ascended the throne and was succeeded in 1905 by his son Wilhelm. The latter was succeeded by a daughter, the Grand Duchess Maria Adelaide.

Since the beginning World War I, German troops invaded Belgium. At the same time, Germany occupied Luxembourg, promising, however, to pay reparations for violating Luxembourgish neutrality. The occupation continued until the end of the war. After that, a number of changes took place in the country: Mary Adelaide renounced power, naming her sister Charlotte as her successor. At the same time, a referendum was held on whether Luxembourg retained the status of a Grand Duchy and whether the House of Nassau was in power. During the referendum, Charlotte received the full approval of the vast majority of the population of the country. At the same time, democratic constitutional reforms were launched.

During the referendum, the citizens of Luxembourg spoke in favor of rapprochement with France, in particular, for an economic union with it. However, France, more interested in an alliance with Belgium, refused the proposed alliance, which pushed Luxembourg to an alliance with Belgium, which was concluded in 1921. This customs, railway and monetary union lasted half a century.

In 1940, Germany violated the neutrality of Luxembourg for the second time. This time the country was annexed and its territories became part of the Reich. The government and the Grand Duchess fled to French territory, and after her fall, the government of Luxembourg in exile was established in Montreal and London. The population of the country opposed the annexation in every possible way, declaring a general strike, which became the reason for the Germans to carry out mass repressions. More than 10% of the duchy's population was arrested and expelled from the country. Luxembourg was liberated by the Allied forces in the autumn of 1944. However, the northern regions of the country, again captured by the Germans during the Ardennes counteroffensive, were liberated only by January 1945.

Many post-war international agreements were concluded with the participation of Luxembourg. In particular, the duchy participated in the founding of the UN, NATO and the Benelux (union with the Netherlands and Belgium), and later in the creation of the European Union. The state also plays a significant role in the Council of Europe. In 1990, an agreement was signed in the Luxembourg town of Schengen, according to which border control between France, Germany and the Benelux countries was abolished. Two years later, the country signed the Maastricht Treaty. Representatives of Luxembourg have twice become presidents of EU commissions: from 1981 to 1984 this position was held by Gaston Thorne, and from 1995 to 1999 by Jacques Santer.

Since 1919, and to this day, the largest party in the duchy is the KhSNP. It was her representatives who were at the head of all governments until 1940. From 1945 to 1947, a coalition government was in power, in which the Christian Social People's, Communist and Luxembourg Socialist Parties, as well as representatives of the Patriotic Democratic Movement, played a leading role. After that, the KhSNP again occupied the leading positions, successively forming coalitions with the Democrats and the Socialists. The socialist-democratic coalition that came to power in 1974 managed to hold out for only five years.

Luxembourg's industry and services began to develop at an accelerated pace as a result of foreign investment, due, in turn, to the political stability and banking laws of the country, which guarantee the secrecy of deposits.

The 1999 general election brought the failure of the LSWP and the KhSNP, whose presence in parliament declined in favor of the Democrats. As a result, representatives of the Democratic Party and KhSNP entered the government, and Jean-Claude Juncker was elected its head. The latter was also re-elected in 2004.

After the abdication in October 2000 of the Grand Duke Jean, the throne passed to his son, Prince Henri.

In 2002, the national currency of Luxembourg becomes the Euro.