Description of the attraction
The Grand Duke's Palace is the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg in the city of Luxembourg. This is where most of the state meetings, audiences and receptions take place.
Over its long history, the original building, built back in 1572 and originally used as the city hall, has undergone dramatic changes and changed its owners several times. The first large-scale reconstruction was carried out in 1728, and already in 1741 the building was extensively expanded. In 1795, after the occupation of Luxembourg by the French, the administration of the Foret department was located in the building of the city hall.
In 1817, the palace became the seat of the governor - the governor of the Oran dynasty (royal dynasty of the Netherlands), which controlled Luxembourg at that time. In 1883, in preparation for the visit of the King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg Willem III and his wife Emma, the building was restored.
In 1890, Willem III died, and the crown of the Netherlands passed to his daughter Wilhelmina, but since the so-called Salic law was in force in Luxembourg, the last Duke of Nassau, Adolf, became the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. As a result, the personal union of the Netherlands and Luxembourg broke up, and Adolf became the first ruler of independent Luxembourg in a long time and chose the former residence of the governor as his permanent residence. During the reign of Adolf, the palace underwent major repairs, and a new wing was completed, where the personal chambers of the duke and his family members, as well as guest rooms, were located. The new wing was designed by architects Gedeon Bordiu and Charles Arendt.
During the German occupation, the Palace of the Grand Dukes was used as a tavern and a place for various entertainment events, which, of course, did not pass without leaving a trace - a significant part of the furniture and works of art were destroyed (and possibly partially removed from the country). In 1945, with the return from exile of Grand Duchess Charlotte, the palace again became the seat of the Grand Dukes. Over time, the palace was completely renovated. The interior of the palace is regularly updated in accordance with modern stylistic trends and standards of comfort.
