To mark the 30th anniversary of “Luxembourg: Old Quarters and Fortifications” being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and as part of the LUGA – Luxembourg Urban Garden event, Minister of Culture and Minister Delegate for Tourism, Eric Thill, announced on June 3 the temporary public opening of the archaeological crypt beneath the Saint-Esprit Plateau.
Located at the heart of the Saint-Esprit citadel and beneath the Palace of the Justice of the Peace, the remains were first discovered in 1996 during preliminary surveys for the construction of the Judiciary City. These investigations unearthed significant remnants of the former Poor Clares convent, founded in 1234 by Countess Ermesinde. Between 2001 and 2003, extensive archaeological excavations revealed remarkably well-preserved medieval and military structures. To protect them during the construction works (2003–2008), the remains were covered with layers of sand and rubble.
In 2023, the National Institute for Architectural Heritage (INPA), in collaboration with the National Institute for Archaeological Research (INRA), began clearing 3,000 m³ of backfill, bringing this exceptional site back to light.
Throughout LUGA 2025, the site will be accessible to the public via guided tours offered by INPA starting June 14. A secure platform will allow visitors to observe the remains, appreciate their historical significance, and discover the five scenographic pre-projects currently under review.
Tours will take place every Saturday at 11:00 AM. Registration: [email protected] or (+352) 247-86650. Integration of the crypt into the Luxembourg City Tourist Office’s thematic guided tours is also under consideration.