Grand+Ducal+Palace

=Luxembourg City=

Grand Ducal Palace
The Grand Ducal Palace, the official head of state, is in southern Luxembourg City and is the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Originally built in the mid 1500’s, the building was the town hall. It was destroyed in 1554 by a gunpowder explosion and later rebuilt. By 1574, when completed, it served as the seat of the government until 1795. It became the headquarters of the Luxembourg Government in 1817. At this time it became the residence of the Governor who was the representative of the Dutch Grand Duke.

In the middle of the 18th century there were many extensions added to the Palace. Parliament was built as an annex in 1859. The building’s interior was renovated in 1883 for a visit from the Grand Duke William III. When the House Nassau-Weilburg ascended to the throne in 1890, the palace became reserved for the Grand Duke and his family only. It was transformed in 1890 by the architect Gedeon Bordiau from Brussels into the palace where Grand Duke Adolphe resided after succeeding to the throne. During this time there was an additional wing, the Bade Wing, constructed in the courtyard was where family rooms and guest accommodations were built.

In WWII, the palace was used by the Nazis as a concert hall and tavern. They called it the Schlossschenke. Many of the art works and precious jewels were stolen. The furniture and much of the interior of the palace was destroyed. When the Grand Duchess Charlotte returned in 1945 from exile she set out to make things right. She also returned the palace as the seat of the government. From the time of her return in 1945 until 1966, the Grand Ducal mounted ceremonial guard had duties at the palace. From 1966 to the present day, they use the military of Luxembourg to perform the guard duties needed at the palace. The solemn changing of the guard in front of the Grand Ducal palace takes place once a month during June to September.

Today, the Grand Ducal Palace can be visited between July and September for guided tours. This began in 1977. The money raised from the tours is donated to the Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa foundation. Because it is the official residence of the Grand Duke, it is still where the Grand Duke performs the duties of the head of state. He and the Grand Duchess and their staff have their offices and state rooms in the palace. The first floor is used for meetings with the members of Government and chamber of Deputies. Visiting foreign heads of state stay in the palace during visits as well. The grand Ballroom is used for state banquets. Specifically on Christmas Eve, the Grand Duke’s Christmas message is broadcast from the Yellow Room in the Palace.

Today when you look at the Palace, the middle between the 2 towers is the renaissance style of 1592, the middle part is built in the Baroque style, known as Balance form 1741-43 and was modified to the Renaissance style in 1891. The Grand Palace is the symbol of national independence for Luxembourg and shows the perseverance of a city that has withstood centuries of foreign dominance. The physical changes to the building’s interior and exterior are a testament to the will of the people of Luxembourg.