Mnt de Clausen
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

The casemates are a fascinating series of tunnels running for several kilometres beneath the old town district of Luxembourg City, even extending as far as the Kirchberg plateau.

Mnt de Clausen
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Melusina the mermaid is the tragic heroine of the story surrounding the origins of Luxembourg City. A beautiful sculpture gazes at the water from the banks of the Alzette river.

Mnt de Clausen
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

According to legend, Melusina was swallowed by the Bock rock. It is believed that her spirit lives on, protecting the city, but also capable of destroying it if she is not redeemed.

Mnt de Clausen
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

The entire political history of the country is deeply connected with these tunnels. The French fortress builder Vauban perfected and expanded the fortifications, transforming them into an ultra-modern fortress.

Mnt de Clausen
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Today, the old town and the fortress are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. What is more, the entire modern city is constructed in large part on the old fortress walls!

Mnt de Clausen
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

In the past, people probably felt very cramped in the defence tunnels where many ate, lived and slept.

Mnt de Clausen
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

During the two world wars the rooms were used as protective bunkers. Not only that, but in the 20th century, the Kasemattentheater, today located in Bonnevoie, performed in the “Tun Deutsch” gallery.

Mnt de Clausen
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

The Bock and Pétrusse casemates have both been renovated and adapted for visitors.

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

In the past, you could have cut off the enemy’s way by blasting the tunnels with gunpowder, the guide explains.

18 Av. Emile Reuter
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

This tour ends among the stone remains of Fort Lambert. A loud rumbling emanates from the dark corridors. Fortunately it is not the curse of Melusina being fulfilled and the source of the noise is only cars leaving a nearby car park. Nevertheless, visitors should keep a good lookout around the fountain in the Bock casemates, just in case. Perhaps one day Melusina will return to be redeemed!

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Explore the Pétrusse or Bock Casemates For a secret tunnel experience, book a guided tour with the Friends of the Fortress History (Frënn vun der Festungsgeschicht). www.ffgl.lu