Notre-Dame is Luxembourg’s only cathedral and one of its most recognisable landmarks, its three spires rising over the upper town. It was built as a Jesuit church: the foundation stone was laid in 1613 and the main building finished by 1621, the date over the entrance portal. Pope Pius IX raised it to cathedral status in 1870, and between 1935 and 1937 it was extended with a transept, a new choir and a crypt. The crypt is the resting place of members of the Grand Ducal family and of the clergy, and at its entrance stands the funerary monument of John the Blind, King of Bohemia and Count of Luxembourg, who died at the Battle of Crécy in 1346. Two stone lions guard the vault, and the stained glass inside is by Anton Wendling.
How to visit: entry is free, and the cathedral is an active church, so visits pause during services. The crypt is part of the visit, reached from inside the church. Allow half an hour, longer if you like to read the tombs and look at the glass.
What to expect: the late Gothic structure with Renaissance and Baroque details makes for a light, elegant interior. Each year in April and May the Octave pilgrimage, the most important religious festival in the country, brings a procession through the streets with a small statue of the Virgin Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, and the cathedral is at its busiest.
Making the most of it: combine it with the Old Town walk, since the Place d’Armes, the palace and the Adolphe Bridge viewpoint are all a few minutes away. Dress modestly, keep your voice down and avoid Sunday morning services if you want to wander freely.
What to expect
The experience
A free self-guided visit to the cathedral and its crypt.
Best time
Weekday mornings, outside service times.
How long
About half an hour.
Tips
Look for the John the Blind monument and the lions at the crypt entrance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone walking the Old Town.
- Families
- A short, calm stop; children like the stone lions in the crypt.
- Couples
- A quiet pause between the palace and the Adolphe Bridge view.
- Pair with
- The Old Town walk, the Nationalmusée and the Corniche.
- Time needed
- Thirty to forty-five minutes.
Good questions
Is Notre-Dame Cathedral free to visit?+
Yes, entry is free; visits pause during services.
Can you see the crypt?+
Yes, the crypt can be visited and holds the tomb monument of John the Blind.
When was the cathedral built?+
As a Jesuit church between 1613 and 1621; it became a cathedral in 1870.
What is the Octave?+
The country’s biggest religious festival, held each year in April and May with a procession.
Is there a dress code?+
Dress modestly and keep quiet, as it is an active church.
