Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Many describe Luxembourg, with its ancient castles and lush forests, as a fairy tale kingdom. But visitors to the vibrant capital will not find any damsels in distress. Luxembourg City immortalises the women who made the country the progressive place it is today in different ways. Dip a toe into their fascinating stories, by exploring the compact capital on foot. The Golden Lady (“Gëlle Fra”) on Constitution Square commemorates the Luxembourgers who perished in the First World War and symbolises freedom and resistance for the Luxembourg people.

Rue Plaetis

Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Begin your tour in rue Plaetis, on the banks of the Alzette river opposite Neumunster Abbey where, beside vines and towers, a mermaid sits. This striking 3D-printed statue was commissioned by the city to mark its 1050th anniversary. Serge Ecker’s creation is a nod to Melusina, who married the capital’s founder, Count Siegfried. Click the link to find out more about the legend of Luxembourg!

25 Rue Münster
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Pause on rue Münster to appreciate the Natural History Museum. This building was originally founded as the hospice of Saint Jean by Margaret of Brabant who, in 1308, became Queen of Germany. Before being transformed into the museum, it served as a women’s prison run by Franciscan nuns.

Place de Clairefontaine

Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Climb rue St Esprit to Place Clairefontaine, a cobbled square at the centre of which stands a bronze statue of Grand Duchess Charlotte (1896-1985) reaching out to passersby. This former leader became a symbol of resistance when, during World War II, she broadcast messages to the Luxembourg people on BBC Radio from abroad. The beckoning gesture can be interpreted as Charlotte’s appeal to Allied nations to liberate Luxembourg from its occupiers at the start of the war, but also to the people of Luxembourg to follow her. Designed by the French sculptor Jean Cardot.

18 Av. Emile Reuter
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Continue towards the Municipal Park entrance from Boulevard Royal where you will find a circular bed of flowers overlooked by a statue of a woman, Princess Amalia of Saxony Weimar (1830-1872) that has stood there since 1876. Married to Prince Henri, who governed Luxembourg, Princess Amalia was active in many charitable works, including the introduction of the pre-school system. Click the link to learn about more pioneering women from Luxembourg!

18 Av. Emile Reuter
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Head towards Hamilius and meet the bright, bold and beautiful “La Grande Tempérance” by sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, who through her work denounces the stereotypes that confine women. Strong and sensual, radiant and feminine, the series of “Nanas” became the emblem of women’s liberation movements of the 1970s.