The Collège des Bourgmestre et Echevins and l'Amitié Portugal-Luxembourg yesterday inaugurated a photographic exhibition, entitled 'Exposition Croisée Entre Luxembourg-Ville et Guimarães (Portugal)', at Place Guillaum II in Luxembourg city.

The exhibition will run from Tuesday 7 July until Wednesday2 September 2015, with the aim of paralleling the two cities of Luxembourg and Guimãeres, located in the Minho province of northern Portugal.

The two cities are said to share some interesting similarities, including:

- Their medieval origins, with their birth dating back to the tenth century
- Their listing on UNESCO's World Heritage Site
- Their title of 'European Capital of Culture'

The 24 panels in the exhibition are comprised of a selection of images depicting emblematic places in both cities, including the founding myths; World Heritage Sites; European Capital of Culture; as well as churches, squares, and public spaces.

The exhibition also aims to highlight the strong connection between Luxembourg and Portugal which has been in existence for centuries. The first diplomatic relations between the two nations took place in the 19th century and the ruling family of Luxembourg and the Portuguese noble House of Braganza shared strong ties.

The nature of the exhibition is also significant as tens of thousands of Portuguese citizens have arrived in the Grand-Duchy since the first wave of immigration in the 1960s, and now represent 17% of the population.

The display was contributed by the Association of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU, and additional panels depicting the similar aspects of the two cities may be found in five different places in the capital.

A competition has also been developed in conjunction with the exhibition. Participants are invited to submit their answers to either 'Amitié Portugal Luxembourg asbl' headquarters at 5 Avenue Marie-Thérèse, Luxembourg or to the 'Singer' store at 31, Avenue Monterey. A prize draw will take place at 12:00 on Monday 31 August 2015, at the association's stand at the Braderie de la Ville.

 


Photo by Ville de Luxembourg