Luxembourg

When in 963, columns Sigfrid built "Lucilinburhuc" (the small lock) on rocky cape, it could not know, that his house should become a cradle of one of the least, and still to one of the richest countries in the world. Due to the strategic site Luxembourg grew quickly. Dynasty Сигфрида has advanced this growth, organizing the correct unions in a marriage and political contracts. During an epoch of the Middle Ages, the House of Luxembourg had significant influence. Many times the city has been besieged and was under influence of Prussia, Austria, Burgundy, Spain.
The congress of Vienna has settled destiny of the country, having recognized Great Duchy, and having given it as a personal estate to King of Netherlands (to William I Nassau). The personal union between Luxembourg and Netherlands last up to 1890. During this period political independence and an autonomy were усилены, and democratic establishments have been advanced. With 1890 Crown of Great Duchy has passed to the senior branch of the House of Nassau.
Not looking at all a devastation which have been caused by many foreign intrusions, it is necessary to tell, that invaders, in particular brilliant French military engineer Voban, developed the Luxembourg potential and have created one of the strongest fortresses ever constructed; so unapproachable, that Luxembourg became known as " Gibraltar of the North ", the protected 3 protective walls with 24 forts, and an artificial 17-mile network of underground caves, so-called Casemates. The fortress existed in the greatness up to 1867 when it has been demounted according to conditions of the Agreement with London. It is not surprising, that 20 years are required to execute it, even that some strengthenings simply could not be destroyed.


Strengthenings of Valley Petrusse prove it. The part of a natural rock, a part of an artificial wall, the confidential passes cut in a firm rock, are a support for a graceful cathedral " Notre-dame de Luxsemburg ". This valley has induced great German poet Dzhohanna Volfganga background Гэте to write in 1792, that " here such most part is measured with such big grace, such gravity with such plenty of charm that it was possible to wish that Poussin has placed magnificent talent to work in such places. " Today, park plantings of valley Petrusse - a shelter of the world.
Many of these foreign intrusions have left reminders on - the most part of old architecture of city can be attributed to the certain employment. Here and there, so-called " the Spanish Turrets ", once used as posts of observers. The ancient female monastery among мощеных streets of suburb Grund once used as prison, is now the cultural center of exhibitions and concerts.
Approximately 230 international banks have the main offices in city. New " the Historical Museum " is placed in a former Conservatory of Music, a building of 15-th century.



D " Armes, the basic quarter in Luxembourg, originally a military parade-ground, and now усаженная trees the area of restaurants and open cafes - a living-room of city. It is a place to sit and take pleasure not only magnificent beer of Luxembourg, or his finer wines, but also and calmness, refinement, cultural existence.
Till now foreigners make the most part of the population, and everyone adds something own to that has already developed for centuries Luxembourg can гордитсяь, that it has the big well-being that possesses the best features of many countries. The city filtered and took cream from a western civilization.
These cream probably are in the best way illustrated by the fact, that the quantity of star restaurants per capita in Luxembourg is more than somewhere else in the world. Among remarkable restaurants - "Clairefontaine", "Agath", and "Schneidewind". The fine kitchen is really rather banal in qualitative-conscious Luxembourg. It is frequently spoken, that the Luxembourg food combines the French grace with German geniality.
Люксембуржец lives a fine life where quality has the big importance. It demands high quality of a life for itself(himself) and the family, it is proud of high quality of the goods and services.
City and his inhabitants are always glad to see you. And still, despite of desire to welcome others, and the desire to be " as one " with neighbours, people of Luxembourg always were proud and protected the individuality. The national heraldic motto - " Mir welle bleiwe, wat mir sin " - " we want to remain what we are ".