Petrusse Casemates, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Petrusse Casemates origin goes back to 1644, when the Spaniards reinforced the medieval fortifications. Under the supervision of the Swiss fortress builder Isaac von Treybach, they built - among other defence works-the powerful Beck Bastion, named after Governor Baron Johann von Beck, a native of the city who had played a key role in the Wallenstein affair on the side of the Emperor. Initially this bastion was as high as the adjacent terraces on the right; it was raised to the present level of Constitution Square (the wall is 27 meters high) by Vauban in 1685.

In 1673 the Spaniards erected the so-called 'Ravelin du Pate' to strengthen the defence of the Beck Bastion; this triangular construction is one of the few well-kept fortifications. Marshall de Vauban conferred the present shape to all the Petrusse fortifications and built the 'Small Staircase'. From 1728-29 the Austrians added the 'Bourbon Lock' and the 'Large Staircase' and in 1746 the casemates of the 'Petrusse Battery' (54 gun emplacements).

One century passed and the fortress was enlarged and reinforced: the second ring was extended and the third started, so that Luxembourg became the 'Gibraltar of the North'. By and by, the Petrusse fortifications fell into oblivion and neglect, as their strategic momentum limited itself to the valley. After the dismantling, stipulated by the 1867 London Treaty, they confined themselves to walling up the loopholes and most entrances. In 1933 the Petrusse casemates were opened to the public.

References:

Visit Luxembourg

Castles and fortifications in Luxembourg

User Reviews

Alex C (9 months ago)
Awesome experience, never knew about Luxembourg's expansive underground tunnels and fortresses until visiting this city. Very interesting and informative tour.

M Hendershot (12 months ago)
Spectacular views from this powerful fortress. The location is perfect for a midday stop over while visiting the Ardennes. It is evident in this tour how such a tiny country held its own while wedged between warmongers France and Germany. The history of this country is compact but interesting. Reminiscent of Monaco. One of four seats of the EU and an UNESCO heritage site.

Bourgeons Taha (2 years ago)
Very beautiful and interesting historical place to visit. Sculptured inside the rock, it is like a labyrinth with lots of stairs up and down. You can see the opening for the powder cannons and in couple of them you can still see these cannons. You need to buy a ticket for entry.

Brown Michael (2 years ago)
Stunning views, a site definitely worth visiting, might be even better during summer.

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