10. Place d'Armes
The ‘Place d’Armes’ in French or ‘Plëss’ in Luxembourgish is one of the most popular meeting places for both Luxembourg locals as well as tourists who wish to experience the atmosphere of Luxembourg’s ‘front room’ or ‘parlour’. In summer, the numerous cafés and restaurants are an open invitation for locals and tourists alike to spend time on a shady terrasse in the city’s central location.
This was not always the case. During the Spanish occupation in 1671, it functioned as a military parade ground and was the location of the main guard station in the fortress. On a daily basis and accompanied by a military band, the garrison marched and practised drills. During the French occupation under Louis XIV, the parade ground received a cobbled surface and lime trees were planted in order to shade the square.
Up to the 18th century, occasional executions also took place here.
The site’s martial function fundamentally changed in 1867 when the Grand Duchy became neutral and the city gave up its status as a military fortress. What had been reserved for military drill purposes became the ‘Plëss’, free for the citizens to meet and circulate. In addition, many cultural organisations, especially the over 100 music societies, used the ‘Plëss’ to organise concerts and events. In 1875 and based on the former tradition of marching music and military parades, a kiosk was erected in the centre of the square as a stage for a variety of clubs to use for performances and presentations.
At the beginning of the 20th century, at the top narrow end of the square, a splendid municipal palace was erected, the so-called ‘Cercle Municipal’. It was initially envisaged as a meeting place for a literary circle. However, it became repurposed as a municipal administration building with several rooms for conferences and exhibitions as well as rooms for receptions and banquets. Since 2011, a footbridge has linked the municipal palace to the socio-cultural centre ‘Le Cité’. Together the two entities are now the Culture and Congress Centre ‘Cercle Cité’.
In recent decades, the ‘Plëss’ has evolved into a multifunctional location. There are regular flea market sales and street acrobats use it as a stage for their performances. Small stands can be found along the tree-lined walk. Up to the present and due to its size and prime location, the ‘Plëss’ has been the location for political and trade union demonstrations. Above all, the ‘Plëss’ is a favourite meeting point and stands for friendly and peaceful gatherings.
Interesting Detail
In 1741, a well was dug at the ‘Plëss’ to provide water for the citizens of the fortress. The shaft descends to a depth of 65 metres through Luxembourg sandstone to reach groundwater level. A 900-metres-long tunnel links the Pétrusse Valley with the Pfaffenthal quarter and can be utilised as a sewer or an air raid bunker.
The frieze visible above the municipal palace’s main entrance depicts the scene when in 1244 the Duchess Ermesinde handed over a letter of freedom for the citizens of the city of Luxembourg. Between 1953 and 1969, the building was the seat for the meetings of the European Coal and Steel Community which was the precursor of the European Union.
Significance for Human Rights
The ‘Place d’Armes’, notwithstanding its rather militaristic name, is a peaceful location where people of every age and every place of origin can meet, exchange ideas and enjoy life. The history of the square is living proof that society is capable of developing in a positive direction and cultivating respectful, tolerant and open minded social contact.
Article 13
Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and to be free to leave and return to their own country.
Article 20
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
Article 24
Everyone has the right to rest and pleasure.
Article 27
Everyone has the right to participate in and enjoy culture, art and science.
