Greetings! During a recent extended weekend trip to Paris with my husband, we embarked on a day trip (2 hour train ride from Paris) to the small (2586km/1606mi) country of Luxembourg. Luxembourg is surrounded by France, Belgium, and Germany, and is considered to be a Grand Duchy and, as such, has figure heads with titles of “Duke” and “Duchess.” Below is some information that we learned about Luxembourg during our 2 hour walking tour. Please note that it is not intended to be an exhaustive history of the country:
Most of the land of Luxembourg was given to/taken by Belgium, which has a French speaking part of it. Luxembourg has a linguistic border, which took 4 years to figure out (there has been no change in the physical border since 1839). The last Count died in 1437, and the Sovereignty changed several times (Alhambrans, Spaniards, French, Austrian, French again), and then became a Grand Duchy from 1815. There is still a Grand Duke that has a representative function within Luxembourg and only signs laws (does not make them). Luxembourg is also considered to be a member of the German Federation. William II, the King of the Netherlands, came to Luxembourg in the 17th century and was there until Napoleon lost the war. He was responsible for giving Luxembourg its first constitution.The country was neutral in WWII, so did not have much destruction. However, the Battle of the Bulge happened shortly after Luxembourg was liberated (as facilitated by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt), and there was some destruction then. General Patton (who was in charge of the US Army during that battle) is buried in the American Cemetery in Luxembourg (We did not have time to visit that site).
The population in Luxembourg is 600,000. There is a large French population in Luxembourg, as well as a sizable Portuguese population (about 100,000 because of the laborers brought to the country many centuries ago). Individuals in Luxembourg grow up multilingual, starting with learning German in their first year of school, and then they learn French and English. 60% of the population is Luxembourgish. There are border commuters who work in Luxembourg (190,000), coming from France (90,000), Germany, and Belgium, which are the countries surrounding Luxembourg. 90% of the population is Roman Catholic. The language spoken in Luxembourg (which is also called Luxembourg) is a Franconian dialect and is very close to the German dialect. However, the “administrative language” in the country is French (everything is written in French). The French language was forbidden during WWII, so, the names on the signs were changed to German names within the country (all of the signs have both German and French now).
(Photos above: Remains of a wall from the first ring war; remaining gate from first ring war; remains of gate from second ring war; cross that people put over their doorway hoping that would keep the Black Plague from entering [It didn’t work]; Castmates with holes for canons; overlooking the Grund [area below Luxembourg] and St. John’s church)
(Photos above: Cathedral of Luxembourg [cathedral to the Virgin Mary] and views inside the cathedral, including the old organ, and the crypt for John the Blind, who died in the 14th century; crypt room where Luxembourg royal family is buried)
Currently in the House of Parliament, there are 60 deputies who are voted to office by the people of Luxembourg. They have National elections every 5 years, and municipality elections every 6 years. Foreigners are allowed to vote, but it is mandatory for citizens to vote, even if they live in other countries. During our tour, we were able to observe the changing of the guard, during which I realized that I am a “changing of the guard” snob! If you’ve ever been able to witness the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, DC, you’ll understand what I mean. We have our faults as a country, but that is one of the things I feel like we do the best!
(Saint Michael Church [oldest in Luxembourg]; Parliament House/House of Deputies; Guards in front of the Palace)
In addition, we were able to eat at the famed Chocolate House. That was quite a treat, and was the first time I have ever eaten a burger with an egg on it. I was skeptical, at first, because I like to keep my breakfast and lunch foods separate, but this was really good!
(Bailey’s hot chocolate and bacon & egg burger at The Chocolate House)
So, there you have it! The first new country on my quest to 100. I hope you enjoyed! Stay tuned for the next installment. Until then, take care and be well…~Lisa