National Liberation Memorial | Luxembourg City

Information

Landmark: National Liberation Memorial
City: Luxembourg City
Country: Luxembourg
Continent: Europe

National Liberation Memorial, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Europe

The National Liberation Memorial (Kanounenhiwwel) is a monument dedicated to the resistance and the victims of the Second World War. It is situated on the "Cannon Hill," overlooking the Pétrusse Valley.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial is a circular, open-air structure made of Luxembourgish sandstone. The central element is an eternal flame housed within a bronze urn, shielded by a low, circular wall. The architecture is somber and minimalist, designed to evoke reflection. A large bronze door features relief carvings symbolizing the struggle and suffering of the Luxembourgish people during the Nazi occupation.

Location & Access Logistics

The monument is located at the intersection of Boulevard Roosevelt and Rue de la Congrégation.

Pedestrian: It is a 5-minute walk from the Grand Ducal Palace and 2 minutes from the Monument of Remembrance (Gëlle Fra).

Public Transport: The nearest tram stop is "Hamilius." Multiple bus lines serve the "F.D. Roosevelt" stops directly adjacent to the site.

Vertical Access: It is positioned at the top of the cliffside, with stairs nearby leading down into the Pétrusse Valley.

Historical & Structural Origin

Inaugurated in 1970, the memorial was built to honor all victims of the war (1940–1945), including resistance fighters, forced recruits, and those who died in concentration camps. The site, known as "Kanounenhiwwel" (Cannon Hill), was historically a part of the city’s artillery fortifications. The monument serves as the "National Monument of Solidarity."

Key Highlights & Activities

The site is the primary location for the National Day of Commemoration (held on the Sunday closest to October 10). The eternal flame is always lit. From the terrace surrounding the monument, there is a clear view of the State Savings Bank building (Spuerkeess) and the Adolphe Bridge across the valley.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The monument is an outdoor public site with 24-hour access. It is equipped with full 5G coverage. While the main plaza around the monument is flat and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, the access paths leading from the valley below are very steep. Public benches are located in the small park surrounding the structure.

Best Time to Visit

The site is most impactful in the evening when the eternal flame is highly visible and the surrounding walls are illuminated. It is a quiet alternative to the more crowded Place de la Constitution. During national holidays, the site is often decorated with wreaths and flags.

Facts & Legends

The interior of the memorial contains a crypt where soil from different execution sites and concentration camps was placed, symbolically uniting the locations of Luxembourgish suffering. The heavy bronze door remains closed except during official state ceremonies, emphasizing the sanctuary-like nature of the space.