The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg dates to 963, when Siegried, Count of the Ardennes, built a castle on what is now Luxembourg City. The castle became a fortress that was besieged more than 20 times before its dismantling began in 1867. Now an independent constitutional monarchy, Luxembourg is a major world financial center. Visitors are attracted by the forested Ardennes highlands in the north, with their many feudal castles, the rolling farmlands in the center and the south, and the wine region of the Moselle valley in the east.

Although quite small, Belgium and Luxembourg have played crucial roles in the development of Europe. Today, Brussels and Luxembourg City serve as headquarters for the European Community.
Luxembourg City is headquarters for the European Community Court of Justice, investment bank, the Court of Auditors, and the Secretariat of the European Parliament. A miniature train ride is a delightful way to tour the valley and the massive walls. The fortifications have been transformed into charming parks with pleasant walks, which are particularly attractive around the lower town. The Casernates are a 12-mile network of underground passages, hewn from rock. Excursions can be made from the capital to the Ardennes and through the scenic Valley of the Seven Castles.

Luxembourg is known for Villeroy & Boch china and ceramics; the factory store sells slightly flawed items. Good buys include designer fashions, perfume, cosmetics, chocolates, gold jewelry, silverware and semi-precious stones. Bargains can be had at flea markets in the capital.Luxembourg's haute cuisine restaurants boast more Michelin stars per capita than any other country. Trout, crayfish, pike and game dishes are specialties, and in the cafes and inns you'll find smoked pork with broad beans and Ardennes ham. The Moselle wines are excellent, as are the local beers.

Orchestras and opera companies perform at the Municipal Theater in Luxembourg City. The smaller Theater des Capucins is the forum for dramas and comedies. The Radio Luxembourg Symphony Orchestra is known throughout Europe; concerts are performed every other Thursday. During June, July and August the International Music Festival takes place in Echternach, and there is an open-air music and theater festival in Wiltz.