I did like the Cathedrale Notre Dame (dating originally from 1613) even though my guidebook was extremely derisory of its architecture.
I liked the huge Art Deco columns (1930s, apparently), and the (modern) stained-glass, and especially the hugely twiddly Baroque gallery (1622): lots of angels and flowers and similar, carved from alabaster.
I was especially intrigued by the sub-Indian figures carved into some of the columns near that gallery. They are certainly not Art Deco, but I doubt they are from the 1600s either. I wonder how they turned up in the cathedral?
'The Comforter of the Afflicted', patron saint of the city and the state of Luxembourg, is a limewood Madonna dressed in elaborate and glittery clothing. When I visited she was displayed in a glass case near the altar: I suspect that it her usual spot.
It is possible to visit the crypt, when the ducal tombs are, but somehow I missed the doorway. I think I was put off by the short service which had begun during my visit (it was a *very* short service, not sure what it was for)...I really do not feel it is right to explore places of worship whilst there is a service in progress. It seems disrespectful to thos who are worshipping.
The cathedral may not be particularly ancient or special in architectural terms, but it's definitely somewhere you should visit when in the Vielle Ville....if only to ponder the origin of those sub-Indian carvings!
Jesuits built a church here in the 17th century, and two hundred years later it was promoted to the status of Cathedral. Its Gothic architecture and immense size makes it one of the most imposing buildings in the city, and stands out along the old town's skyline when viewing it from the Adolphe Bridge.
The city's main cathedral Notre Dame dates back to the 17th century. When you enter the old city center via the main bridge, the first and most important sight there is the cathedral. With
the Madonna on the portal, you cannot miss it, even though the interior is far less impressive
than its spires.
Notre Dame, the Church of Our Lady, is Luxembourg's largest, most historic church. Completed in 1621, it was designed by Jesuit Brother Jean du Blocq and built by Ulrich Job from Lucerne, Switzerland. It was originally part of the Jesuit college. In 1778, Austrian Empress Maria Theresa gave this church to the city.
It was renamed Notre Dame in 1844, and elevated to the status of a cathedral by Pope Pius IX in 1870. Extensive restoration took place in the 1970s and 80s.
The cathedral dominates the old city center. It's one of the city's main attractions.
CATHEDRAL NOTRE DAME
Officially its actually called the Cathedral to the Blessed Virgin and started as a Jesuit church in 1613. This huge Cathedral is still a working church. It is also worth a quick (free) peek to see the elaborately decorated interior and crypt below housing several famous locals and Royals. The ‘Lady Comforter of the Afflicted’ is a famous statue of the Virgin Mary you can find in the main altar area. It was first mentioned in records of 1624. The Virgin Mary is the patron saint of the city and the country. Entrances in rue Notre-Dame and boulevard F.D. Roosevelt.
Open every day from 10 a.m. to midday and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., except for religious functions. Admission is free.
The Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame is the most important Roman-Catholic church in Luxembourg-City. Its main entrance is dominated by a large statue of Our Lady (Notre Dame).
The Cathedral was built in the early 17th century as a Jesuit Church with an adjoining college. The college is nowadays the National Library of Luxembourg.
Directions:
The Cathedral of Notre Dame overlooks the Petrusse valley. It can be found in Luxembourg's city centre, just south of the squares Place d'Armes and Place Guillaume II.
This cathedral is reminiscent of the country: small, but beautiful and lovely. The medieval spires contrast with a much renovated interior. There are beautiful and other decorations inside. Unfortunately, the area around the cathedral is very built up, and it is impossible to get an unobstructed view of the exterior.
The church was built in the 17th century by the Jesuits. It was renovated and enlarged in the 18th century. The style is late gothic, with a touch of Renaissance. Probably most interesting is the painting by Peter Paul Rubens inside the church. It is not as impressive as some other cathedrals you will find throughout Europe, but well worth a stop while in Luxembourg.
The Notre Dame is located in the heart of the historic old town, and it very easy to find. You will see it as you cross the Adolphe Bridge, right in front of you. Its got these huge big spires that makes it blend in nicely with the other beautiful historic buildings of Luxembourg.
It was built in 1613, and originally intended to be a Jesuit Church. Around 50 years later the it was elevated and made Cathedral Notre Dame by Pope Pius IX.
As for the opening times and whether you can visit or not... I am not sure, sorry. Our time in Luxembourg was limited, so we just had to admire it from the outside.
The city's main cathedral is Notre Dame, whose trinity of spires punctuates the city's skyline. The inside isn't as appealing with nothing that leaves you saying "oh my". Check out the gallery behind the nave with a decent collection of alabaster angels. You'll also find "The Comforter of the Afflicted," an effigy of the Madonna and Child which is a national treasure.
The hours are a bit limited. You can visit from 10am to noon and then from 2 to 5:30 pm daily and there is no charge.
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