The Luxembourg city Tourist Office (LCTO) has confirmed that official tours of the grand-ducal palace will take place this summer up to 31 August; the first visits started on Monday this week.
How Luxembourg's Sovereigns live and work, what is life like in a palace, in which rooms are held official receptions, how are the rooms decorated and what works of art can be admired? These are many of the facets that you can find out now that the Grand Ducal Palace has opened its doors to the public.
The icing on the cake this season is that visitors can admire in the hall, the wedding dress worn by HRH Princess Stéphanie, Grand Duchess Heiress, on the occasion of her marriage to HRH Prince Guillaume, Hereditary Grand Duke, on 20 October 2012 in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg.
The official seat of the head of state of Luxembourg is interesting in more than one respect: For Luxembourg, it symbolises the feeling of national independence; for historians, it represents an element of continuity in the exercise of administrative powers by a city of a country through the centuries of foreign domination or dependence; for art lovers, it reflects its facade of influence of Flemish Renaissance style in our region; for tourists, it is an attractive monument where the Grand Duke resides.
From the perspective of the actual building, the palace of the Grand Duke has an exceptionally beautiful façade dating from the sixteenth century. The majestic interior and ceremonial rooms, enhanced by a light design by Ingo Maurer, attracts more than 8,000 visitors annually.
Guided tours take place in several languages every day except on Wednesdays. Departure: Rue du Rost, behind the Palace. English tours are held at 16:00 and 17:00
Price: Adults €7, children €3.50. Tickets from LCTO on Place Guillaume II; Reservations: www.lcto.lu or email: guides@lcto.lu, Tel: 4796-2709. Guided tours for groups are available on request.
