Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame cathedral, former Jesuit church

The Luxembourg audio-guided tour stops you before Notre-Dame cathedral, approached with quiet respect. Built from 1613 to 1621, when the city belonged to the Spanish Netherlands, it originally served as the church of the Jesuit college.

From Jesuit church to cathedral

In 1773, when the Society of Jesus was dissolved by the pope, the great church of Luxembourg became a parish, and the former Jesuit college was assigned to the national library. The miraculous statue of Our Lady, comforter of the afflicted, venerated by the people of Luxembourg, was installed there. Raised to cathedral rank in 1870, it was further enlarged in the 1930s.

What there is to see

Inside, with respect for silence, you admire the late Gothic style with Renaissance influences, as well as the statue of Our Lady, comforter of the afflicted. The cathedral also houses the crypt where members of the grand-ducal family rest. It is one of the country's high spiritual places, in the heart of the old town.

Practical information

Notre-Dame cathedral is in the heart of the old town of Luxembourg, near Place Clairefontaine. An active place of worship, it can be visited with respect for silence and services; opening times may vary with celebrations and the season. Access is on the level.

When was the cathedral built?

It was built from 1613 to 1621 as the church of the Jesuit college, then raised to cathedral rank in 1870 and enlarged in the 1930s.

What famous statue does the cathedral house?

The cathedral houses the miraculous statue of Our Lady, comforter of the afflicted, venerated by the people of Luxembourg, as well as the crypt of the grand-ducal family.