Vicus Ricciacus in Dalheim;
On Tuesday 15 October 2024, Luxembourg's Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, presented details of the Luxembourg Monuments Centre / Centre des Monuments du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg (CML).
This project, whose preliminary study was launched in March 2024, represents the culmination of a long process. Until the creation of the CML, the management of castles and heritage sites was carried out by a number of different associations, often on a voluntary basis. The CML will collaborate with these associations, while aspiring to strengthen professionalism, coherence and synergies between the different sites.
The preliminary study, created at the initiative of the government, is linked to the Ministry of Culture by an agreement, with the ambition of eventually transforming itself into a public institution under the supervision of the ministry.
To date, the CML has a team of around ten people, plus a coordinator and eight freelance guides, and is entrusted with several major missions: the daily management of castles and heritage sites belonging to the State, the organisation of cultural activities and events, the development of a coherent programme to enhance these sites, as well as the promotion and awareness-raising of the public on the importance of historical heritage.
Currently, three sites are managed by the Centre des Monuments du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg: the castles of Beaufort and Larochette, as well as the Gallo-Roman archaeological site of Dalheim.
During the presentation, Minister Thill highlighted Luxembourg's rich heritage, stressing that "our castles and archaeological sites are among the most precious witnesses of our history. In addition, these monuments are among the most popular tourist attractions in the country. The CML will play a key role in promoting and making our cultural heritage accessible, allowing everyone to discover and fully appreciate the richness of our collective heritage." The Minister also paid tribute to the work of volunteers and associations, thanking them warmly for their commitment and emphasising that the CML will continue to work closely with them, drawing on their expertise and experience accumulated in the field.
Further details can be found on the CML website: www.monuments.lu.
