The Most Beautiful Churches And Cathedrals In Luxembourg

The tiny European country of Luxembourg is a beautiful region boasting lush, dense forestry, majestic castles and astonishing architecture dating back hundreds of years. The captivating capital, Luxembourg City, is famed for its fortified medieval old town, which is perched on sheer cliffs and rightly regarded as the heart of the country. The city’s impressive array of religiously significant structures and churches illustrate Luxembourg’s rich and varied past.

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

Notre Dame Cathedral, the Roman-Catholic Cathedral in Luxembourg. Built in the 17th century. Baroque. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Founded as a Jesuit church and built between 1613 and 1621, Notre-Dame Cathedral stands today as the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Luxembourg City. In fact, it’s the only cathedral in the entire country. It’s a fascinating mix of semi-Renaissance, semi-Baroque elements from its first iteration, coupled with neo-Gothic additions. The cathedral was enlarged 1935–1938, and features stained glass windows from the 19th and 20th centuries, but it still retains its stunningly decorated alabaster columns, which line the nave, leading up to its pointed arches and ribbed vaults. At the end of the 18th century, Notre-Dame Cathedral received a beautiful image of the Maria Consolatrix Afflictorum, the patron saint of both Luxembourg City and the nation itself. Notable figures who have been buried here include several members of the Grand-Ducal family, such as John of Bohemia, Marie-Adélaide, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, and Joséphine Charlotte of Belgium.

2. Trinity Church

Church

Trinity Church has been continually used for Protestant religious ceremonies in Luxembourg City since 1817. Indeed, the first chapel in the region was actually built on this spot in 1313, meaning this area was long been regarded as a sacred site. The original chapel was destroyed when Luxembourg City was invaded by Louise XIV in 1684, and construction began on the Baroque church we see today in 1737. But the church was soon in trouble again, this time during the French Revolution when it was seized and used as a theatre and fodder store. Today, the building remains an arresting site, and provides an idyllic setting in which to relax and worship, and features ornate fittings, beautiful stained-glass windows and a richly decorated entrance.

3. Saint Michael’s Church

Church

Located in Fishmarket at the centre of the Old Town, Saint Michael’s Church is the longest-standing religious building in Luxembourg City. It was built in AD 987 and stands on the same site as the old chapel of the Count of Luxembourg. The structure has been destroyed and renovated various times in its long history, but its appearance today dates back to 1688, and the site still operates as a popular place of worship. Beautiful artwork adorns the walls, and you may be lucky enough to wander in during one of the melodic organ recitals – wondrous and grand affairs which occur regularly.

5. Quirinus Chapel

Church

St. Quirin chapel, Gothic pilgrimage chapel, 14th. century, Luxembourg city, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Constructed on a site that the Romans considered to be a somewhat magical Christian sanctuary, Quirinus Chapel is not easily reachable, as it is surrounded by dense forestry and rocky gorges. Since the 11th century, its location has been consecrated to Saint Quirin, and services have been held in the chapel for more than 800 years. The structure displays Gothic stylistic features and is partly hewn into the surrounding rock, adding to its spooky, other-worldly atmosphere. Erected in 1355, the roof and charming bell towers were added at the end of the 19th century.

6. St Jean du Grund

Church

Erected in 1606, the stylistic appearance currently exhibited by St Jean du Grund dates from 1688–1705 and is characterised by a grand vaulted ceiling, high windows, tall pillars and Baroque furnishings. Though it enjoys a lovely position by the river, it’s the church’s spectacular interior that’s likely to leave you speechless. Although not overly decorated, it is widely revered as one of the most beautiful religious sites in Luxembourg City. Don’t miss the exquisite organ, which dates from the 18th century, and the stunning icon of Madonna, located in the side chapel.

7. Paroisse du Sacré-Coeur

Church

Paroisse du Sacré-Coeur dates back to the 20th century and, though it has a shorter history than many of the churches on this list, nevertheless has plenty to offer the inquisitive traveller. Its interior is comprised of three beautiful naves and one transept. A 10-metre-(32-feet-)high watercolour painting is situated at the bottom of the main choir, a stunning illustration of Christ as he prepares for his crucifixion. The church aims to both help the local community and to give to the underprivileged, and with this in mind it operates a highly successful musical programme in conjunction with several youth associations, and hosts events which raise money for various charities.

8. Anglican Church of Luxembourg

Church

Founded by a small group in 1956, the Anglican Church of Luxembourg draws in a wide variety of worshippers of all ages and nationalities. The church is part of the wider Anglican Communion, and services and other activities are in English. It tries to express the depth and diversity of the Christian spiritual tradition, and all are welcome to every mass. The interiors are modern and paired-back, with an abstract stained-glass window on one wall and framed paintings of biblical scenes. Services include Holy Communion (said or sung) every Sunday morning, and Choral Evensong once a month.

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