The Founding of Luxembourg: Count Siegfried’s Castle

Luxembourg City’s origins can be traced back to the year 963, when Count Siegfried, a nobleman of vision and ambition, laid the foundation for what would become one of Europe’s most strategically significant cities. At the time, the region was little more than an unremarkable stretch of land, dominated by dense forests and towering cliffs. Yet Siegfried saw potential in the rocky promontory overlooking the Alzette River. 

Legend tells us that Siegfried acquired the site, known as Lucilinburhuc or “small castle,” through a trade with the monks of St. Maximin Abbey in Trier. In exchange for land he owned in the Ardennes, he secured this seemingly modest fort. However, it was the promontory’s unique position—high above the river and at the crossroads of key trade routes—that made it invaluable. Siegfried quickly set about building a stronger fortification, laying the foundation for a settlement that would thrive under his protection. 

Initially, the castle was little more than a small stone structure, but it became the nucleus around which a growing community began to form. Farmers, merchants, and artisans settled nearby, benefiting from the castle’s security and the trade opportunities offered by its location. Over the centuries, the settlement grew into a bustling town, its fortunes intertwined with the rising power of the Luxembourg dynasty. 

As the town expanded, its fortifications became increasingly formidable. By the late Middle Ages, Luxembourg had earned a reputation as the “Gibraltar of the North,” a nearly impregnable fortress city. Successive rulers and empires, including the Spanish, Austrians, and Prussians, recognized its value and left their mark on its defenses. The city’s fortifications grew into a complex network of walls, bastions, and underground tunnels, many of which still exist today. 

Luxembourg’s strategic location also made it a target of conquest and conflict, enduring sieges and occupations by various powers. Yet it remained resilient, transforming each challenge into an opportunity for growth. Today, visitors to Luxembourg City can explore its medieval roots through landmarks such as the Bock Casemates, the remnants of Siegfried’s original fortress, and the picturesque Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Siegfried’s decision to claim Lucilinburhuc was a pivotal moment in European history. It marked the beginning of a city that would endure for over a millennium, shaping the destiny of a nation and influencing the course of European politics. Luxembourg City’s story is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the enduring importance of strategic geography.