Landscape heritage – union between culture and nature

People enjoy to unwind in the historical parks and gardens that are part of Luxembourg's heritage. These green monuments express the intrinsic relationship between civilisation and nature, and bear witness of a culture, a style, an era or a designer. They are living spaces that form an essential element of individual and social well-being, and Luxembourg is duly protecting them.

Historical parks and gardens: natural, cultural and social heritage

A historical park or garden is an architectural composition and plant arrangement which is of public interest from a historical or artistic point of view. As their architecture is mainly plant-based, these are living areas and the way they look is derived from a constant balance between seasons, nature's development or artistic will.

Therefore, visiting parks and gardens is just like visiting a monument or museum. They also represent a resource to regenerate the planet in the face of the climate emergency.

We are convinced that parks and gardens play an essential role in individual and collective well-being and we invite you to visit them!

© Neumann Gusenburger, all rights reserved

The value of these sites and the importance of maintenance, conservation, restoration and restitution actions is so significant that they benefit from specific regulations: the Florence Charter, adopted in 1982, stemming from the International Council on Monuments and Sites, and the European Landscape Convention of the Council of Europe, that was signed in the year 2000.

Paradises meant to be seen and visited

Historical parks and gardens are, by their very nature and vocation, peaceful places that promote contact with, the silence of and listening to nature, but they are meant to be seen and visited.

Luxembourg City is home to several parks scattered across its various neighbourhoods.

Boasting an English style, the municipal park was set up between 1871 and 1878 by the landscape engineer Édouard André. Following works that consisted in dismantling the ramparts of the ancient fortress city, planned by the 1867 Treaty of London, the government wanted to create a park of approximately 50 acres.

Why have a municipal park back then? On the one hand, because beautifying was a trend in Paris after the 1867 Paris Universal Exhibition, and this had an influence on Luxembourg. On the other hand, there was a will to regulate property prices. But it was in particular owed to modern urban planning. A park filled with history and accessible 24/7.

In the Guttland region, Ansembourg Castle features gardens that were laid out as early as 1750. They are bedecked with statues, decorative stairs and fountains. Its standard terraced gardens had their glory days in the mid-18th Century. They also had an orangery with a remarkable number of varieties of fruit, medicinal herbs and flowers. Two plants of that era still exist: the large plane-tree and a tree tunnel that run along the river.

The castle is a private property, but the gardens can be visited. You therefore have the opportunity to take a stroll in the historical garden during its opening hours, from 9a.m. to the sunset, except on days where the site is rented out. Check closing days before you go!

In the Mullerthal region, the municipal park and the gardens of Echternach Abbey await you!

As part of the abbey's reconstruction in the 18th Century, great emphasis was placed on planning the surrounding areas of new buildings. The creation of a garden featuring an orangery dates back to 1736. The cross-shaped paths and the central water basin reveal the signature of the architect Léopold Durand who drew up the plans. The park and gardens are open 24/7.

Parks and gardens: essential elements of individual and collective well-being.
© SIP, all rights reserved
Ansembourg castle has had gardens laid out since 1750.
© SIP / YW, all rights reserved

Luxembourg – a history of roses

Did you know that Luxembourg used to be known as the Country of Roses in the good old days? In fact, in 1855, two young gardeners specialised in rose cultivation in their tree nursery based in Limpertsberg. Their remarkable creations were not only awarded many international prizes, but also led to economic success as they would attract wealthy customers in pursuit of luxury items of the times. The success story was such that other businesses were created and Luxembourg became a hotbed of rose cultivation, with over 260 varieties of new roses!

If you are passionate about roses, the Limperstberg rose walk will certainly be worth your while. We also recommend you discover the roses of the gardens that the association Patrimoine roses pour le Luxembourg (literally 'rose heritage for Luxembourg') suggests visiting, all over the country.

The rose garden of Munsbach Castle is also a must. The rose garden was created by the association Lëtzebuerger Rousefrënn (Luxembourg rose friends) in collaboration with the commune of Schuttrange, on a plot of land at the foot of the castle. The garden is open to the public all the time, free of charge!

Luxembourg: The Land of Roses in the Belle Epoque
© SIP / Emmanuel Claude, all rights reserved