Museums & culture
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg
45 min read
Twin black spires of Notre-Dame Cathedral rising over central Luxembourg City
Begun in 1613 as a Jesuit college church, elevated to cathedral in 1870 and extended with two extra spires in the 1930s, Notre-Dame is a rare blend of late Gothic, Renaissance and 20th-century additions. The main portal, carved in 1621, is one of the most important Renaissance sculptures in the country. Inside, an octagonal choir shelters a Baroque organ tribune, and the crypt beneath houses the tombs of John the Blind, King of Bohemia, and every Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg since 1890, guarded by two bronze lions.
The cathedral is the focal point of the Octave, Luxembourg's five-week national pilgrimage to Our Lady, Consoler of the Afflicted, from the third Sunday after Easter. During those weeks the miraculous statue is displayed on a raised altar and the surrounding Place Guillaume II fills with a fair. Come outside Octave for a quieter visit; even so, dress respectfully and check the schedule at cathol.lu — services take priority over tourists.
Hours
Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00
Sat 08:00-19:00 · Sun 10:00-17:00
Extended hours during Octave (Apr-May)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit?
Entry is completely free at all times. Donations of $2-3 are suggested for lighting a candle.
Are there free hours specifically?
All opening hours are free. There is no ticketed component.
How long does a visit take?
Plan 30 to 45 minutes for the nave, side chapels and the Grand Ducal crypt.
When is it closed to tourists?
The cathedral does not close, but tourist visits are suspended during services (typically Mon-Sat 08:00 mass and Sun 10:00 and 11:30) and during weddings or funerals.
Do I need to book?
No booking is required. Even during Octave you can enter freely, though the queue for the miraculous statue may take 15-20 minutes.
Which is the closest public transport stop?
Bus stop Badanster on Boulevard Roosevelt, 3 minutes walk. Central train station is 12 minutes on foot via Passerelle bridge.
Where to stay
Rooms worth pairing with this guide.
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