Grand Ducal Palace

The grand-ducal palace, a Renaissance jewel

The Luxembourg audio-guided tour leads you before the grand-ducal palace, a fine sixteenth-century Renaissance building, in the heart of the old town. It is today the official residence of the grand duke and one of the most emblematic monuments of the capital.

From town hall to palace

In 1554, lightning struck the Jacobins' church and blew up reserves of gunpowder, destroying a good part of the surrounding houses. Long works were undertaken, and the town hall was rebuilt in 1572. In 1817, it became the Government House, residence of the governor, before the building became the grand-ducal palace at the end of the nineteenth century.

What there is to see

The richly decorated Renaissance façade is one of the finest in the city. In front of the palace, you can watch the guard and, in summer, the building opens some of its state rooms to visitors. The grand-ducal palace embodies the continuity of the Luxembourg state and the richness of the old town's heritage.

Practical information

The grand-ducal palace is in the heart of the old town of Luxembourg. An official residence, its interior opens to the public only during certain periods, generally in summer, according to its own schedule. The façade can be contemplated freely from the street at all hours.

How old is the grand-ducal palace?

The Renaissance-style building was rebuilt in 1572 as a town hall, before becoming the grand-ducal palace at the end of the nineteenth century.

Can you visit the palace?

The interior of the grand-ducal palace opens to the public only during certain periods, generally in summer. The Renaissance façade can be contemplated freely from the street.