As residents of Luxembourg, we decided to visit the Pétrusse Casemates in Luxembourg City, a perfect outing to combine cultural discovery and learning for our 4-year-old son, who was eager to learn more about the history of the Grand Duchy. It turned out to be an educational and immersive experience, ideal for a family seeking an activity that blends history, exploration, and shared moments, with the added bonus of a short stroll in the Pétrusse Valley.
Stepping into History from the First Moment
Located beneath Place de la Constitution, the Pétrusse Casemates immediately transported us back in time. Their history dates back to 1644, when the Spanish modernized the city’s medieval fortifications, constructing bastions like the Beck, which lies directly under this iconic square. Over the centuries, these underground tunnels were shaped by historical figures such as Marshal Vauban, who gave them their current form, and the Austrians, who added the « grand staircase » in 1728-1729. Following the dismantling of the fortress in 1867, as mandated by the Treaty of London, the casemates were partially sealed, but around 17 km of galleries survived, making this site a unique testament to Luxembourg’s military history, often dubbed the « Gibraltar of the North. »
Entry is through a pavilion at Place de la Constitution, and the pricing is reasonable: €15 for adults and €7.50 for children. We booked our tickets in advance on the Luxembourg City Tourist Office (LCTO) website, a step we highly recommend, especially during busy periods like Easter, as the site can get crowded. It’s open daily from 9:45 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission), with entries every 15 minutes, ensuring a smooth visit.
An Immersive and Educational Experience
From the first steps, we were plunged into a fascinating atmosphere. The galleries, carved into the rock, are cool (even on a warm April day), and the modern lighting, combined with light displays and sound installations, brings the history of the site to life. Quadrilingual commentary (French, English, German, Luxembourgish) is available, and though our son is still too young to grasp everything, he was captivated by the visual animations. The blue lights marking the old loopholes and the white ones highlighting the ventilation systems caught his attention, allowing us to explain simply that these openings were used by soldiers centuries ago to defend themselves and breathe.
The scenography, implemented after renovations completed in 2022, is a real highlight. Designed by scenographer Tido Brussig, it makes the history accessible even to younger visitors. We learned that the casemates have had multiple uses over time: they served as shelters during both world wars, as cellars for storing champagne by the Compagnie des Grands Vins de Champagne E. Mercier in the late 19th century, and even as mushroom farms in the 1890s. These anecdotes amused our son, who imagined « soldiers growing mushrooms »—an image that made him laugh a lot!
For us as parents, the visit was a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the evolution of the Grand Duchy. The casemates bear witness to the many occupations Luxembourg has experienced: from the Spanish to the Austrians, through the French under Vauban, up to the fortress’s dismantling in 1867, which marked a turning point toward the country’s neutrality. This historical insight deepened our understanding of Luxembourg, often unfairly reduced to a mere « land of banks. »
A Family-Friendly Outing
The visit, which lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, is well-suited for families, though there are a few things to keep in mind. The route includes stairs and narrow passages, which can be tricky with a stroller or for those with reduced mobility. However, the LCTO offers accommodations for visitors with specific needs if contacted in advance. We brought a baby carrier for our son, which turned out to be a good choice, as it allowed him to explore at his own pace while staying safe.
A Stroll in the Pétrusse Valley
After the visit, we suggest extending the experience with a short stroll in the Pétrusse Valley, easily accessible from the casemates’ exit. The galleries lead out into the Pétrusse Park, offering stunning views of the valley and the Adolphe Bridge. This lush park, with its shaded paths and lawns, is the perfect spot for a picnic break or to let the kids run around and burn off energy. Our son loved exploring the little bridges and watching the ducks in the river, while we enjoyed the serene surroundings. The contrast between the darkness of the underground tunnels and the bright light of the park made for a beautiful transition to wrap up this outing.
A Few Drawbacks and Practical Tips
While the experience was overall very positive, we felt that the informational signs could be more numerous and include English translations for all texts, as some were only in German or French. A booklet in English was provided at the entrance, but it didn’t cover the full depth of the site’s history. A guided tour (available for an additional fee) might have filled this gap, but it didn’t fit our schedule.
Also, some passages are quite dark, and the ceilings can be low in spots, so watch your head! We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a sweater, as the temperature inside is cool, even in April.
In Summary
The Pétrusse Casemates are a must-visit for families looking to explore the history of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in a fun and immersive way, with the added delight of a relaxing stroll in the Pétrusse Valley to extend the experience. They allowed our son to learn his first lessons about the country’s military past while marveling at the tunnels and animations. For us, it was a great opportunity to deepen our knowledge of Luxembourg’s history in a setting that’s both educational and entertaining.
We highly recommend this visit to anyone living in or passing through Luxembourg City, whether for a day or longer. It’s an experience that combines learning, fun, and relaxation, leaving behind wonderful family memories.
Address: Place de la Constitution, 2450 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Website: www.luxembourg-city.com
Pricing: €15 (adults), €7.50 (children)
Hours: Open daily, entries from 9:45 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission), every 15 minutes
