Luxembourg Trivia and Facts
World's Last Grand Duchy Named 2007 Capital of Culture
Smaller than the state of Rhode Island, Luxembourg is nonetheless a major powerhouse in Europe. Discover some interest facts about the only Grand Duchy in the world.
It would be a stretch to say that Luxembourg is filled with tourist attractions or must-see events. However, there is some interesting trivia associated with the only Grand Duchy in the World.
- Measuring just 32 miles by 51 miles, it is the sixth smallest country in the world. It’s less than 1,000 square miles making it smaller than the state of Rhode Island.
- Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, or possibly because of, it has three official languages: Luxembourgish, French and German. English is also frequently spoken.
- With its thriving economy, Luxembourg’s a GDP per capita of around $66,950 (USD) is the highest in the world.
- George S. Patton, the famed American general is buried with other members of the Third Army at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Luxembourg.
- More than 21 kilometers of underground passages are hidden in the rock beneath the fortress of Luxembourg.
- Every Tuesday after Whitsun, which is the 50th Sunday after Easter and also known as Pentacost in the U.S., the famous “Dancing Procession” takes place to the shrine of Luxembourg’s only saint. Saint Willibrord, who was born in Northumbria in 658, built an abbey in Echternach in 698. The body of Saint Willibroard is entombed in a white marble sarcophagus in the Basilica in Echternach.
- Berdorf, which boasts a church with a Roman altar that contains sculptures of Minerva, Hercules, Juno and Apollo, is one of the most popular tourist draws in Luxembourg.
- “American Werewolf in Paris” and “Shadow of the Vampire” were both filmed in Luxembourg. Much of the movie “The Girl with the Pearl Earrings” was filmed in Luxembourg’s Deluxe Studios in Esch-sur-Alzette and Contern.
- The medieval town of Clervaux has a 12th century castle that houses an exhibition made up of models of other castles found throughout Luxembourg.
- In 1871, the famous French writer Victor Hugo lived in Vianden, Luxembourg. The home he lived in is now a museum and the town also has an impressive medieval castle.
- Having been named a “Capital of Culture” in 1995 and 2007, Luxembourg is the first European city to earn the designation twice.
- June 23, the birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte, is Luxembourg’s National Day.
- Because of its fortification’s historical significance, the entire city of Luxembourg is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The thriving economy in Luxembourg is obvious to visitors as the streets are clean, panhandlers are few, if any, and there is a general ambiance of wealth apparent in the architecture, cafes, hotels and people.
The copyright of the article Luxembourg Trivia and Facts in Luxembourg Travel is owned by Bridget Lux. Permission to republish Luxembourg Trivia and Facts must be granted by the author in writing.
