Visit the Monument of Remembrance, a powerful symbol of Luxembourg’s freedom. It’s often known as Gëlle Fra (“Golden Lady”) in reference to the gold-plated female figure that crowns its towering obelisk. The monument is set in central Place de la Constitution, where you can see picturesque views over the city.
Sculpted by artist Claus Cito, the monument was originally erected in 1923. It was designed to honor the Luxembourgish soldiers who volunteered in the French army during World War I more than 2,800 of them died in battle. When the Nazis occupied the city during World War II, the monument’s base and obelisk were destroyed and the statue was removed. Today, view the statue which was reconstructed using pieces of the original and reinstated in 1985.
Pay your respects at the monument, which is now said to commemorate all the Luxembourgers who were lost during the two world wars as well as in the Korean War. Walk around the circumference of the statue and look for the plaque found near its base, which lists the names of the soldiers who died during World War II.
On a sunny day, see how the golden woman on top of the monument glitters ethereally in the light. She holds a laurel wreath over the two soldiers at the bottom of the monument. One of the soldiers is depicted in a sitting position, appearing to mourn his fallen compatriot.
Go for a stroll around the surrounding Place de la Constitution. Just behind the statue, on the southern side of the square, you’ll find a number of viewpoints overlooking the Petrusse Valley. Admire views of the Adolphe Bridge and try to spot the copper spires of the early 20th-century Spuerkees building in the distance. Bring your camera and take a few photos to capture this striking perspective of the city.
The Monument of Remembrance is within walking distance of the city’s main squares, Place d’Armes and Place Guillaume II, which are just a few blocks north.
