…and I’ve no idea how many days.
I debated on whether or not to bring a coat with me. I’m glad the warm natured John lost that bet. It was a chilly day with wind. Still, that did not stop me from getting out. First stop: Notre Dame Cathedral at Luxembourg. FYI: Notre Dame means “Our Lady,” so there are many churches named Notre Dame.
A view from the outside…
This is the only view I got. Why? Because it is closed for the next three days. Oh, well. I crossed the street and went underground… literally.
Welcome to the Pétrusse Casemates, the underground portion of the fortifications. Once you enter, it is all down hill.
This impressive stairway, hewn into the rock, was constructed in 1728 under the Austrians.
Via 131 steps, it leads down into the Pétrusse valley. Through a double door, the passageway went on up to the fort on the opposite side. A direct underground connection was thus created between the inner and outer fortifications.
Four kinds of illumination were deployed in the underground fortifications, just as they were in the mines up until the 19th century: candles, pinewood spills, oil lamps, and tallow dips with animal fats. Inventories show that in the Luxembourg fortress it was mainly oil lamps and candles that were used for illumination in the casemates.
I actually thought the sign over this doorway said something of interest, but after arriving back at the hotel… “Smoking Prohibited.”
The so-called Ravelin du pâté® (from the French
•pâté”, an irregular platform] was built by the Spaniards in about 1673/74 to protect the main wall of the fortress. The interior consists of two artillery galleries, one above the other, with embrasures for the defence of the valley. There is a small platform on the top for the placement of artillery.
Once at the bottom of the valley, you have an excellent view of the bridge. Carved into the stone a little further down the river was a beautiful church, also closed, but I tried to get a few photos through the windows.
The Chapel of St Quirinus is situated in the valley of the Pétrusse, close to a spring that is said to work miracles. Its water is indeed said to have a beneficial effect on diseases of the eye. Originally, this was probably the site of a pagan cult, which was then converted into a Christian place of worship under the Romans. The chapel is dedicated to St Quiri-nus, who until 1666 was the patron saint of the city. The inside of the chapel consists of a double grotto, the larger being the church and the other the sacristy. The Gothic-style façade was probably erected around 1350 by the Knights of the Teutonic Order. The little steeples and roof of this pilgrimage site were added in 1885 during a restoration carried out by the State architect Charles Arendt (1825-1910). The miracle-performing spring situated at the bottom of the chapel can no longer be accessed. It has been closed over by a grid.
At this point, I stood staring and wondering where to go. Pulling out my trusty map, the decision wasn’t difficult and only a 30 minute bus ride. It is not something I am generally drawn to, but I’m so very glad I took the trip. It was very moving. Something in your soul will ache.
5,076 Headstones
4,958 Latin Crosses
119 Stars of David
371 markers of the Unknown
22 sets of brothers
At the time, I was the only one here. I thought that was sad.
As I walked through, I couldn’t help but touch the markers and read the names… it seemed to be the only way I could honor them. I kept thinking, “Today, I see you.”
Among those buried here…
A truly sacred place.
That it may please Thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
Okay… breathe. I don’t know where I saw this, but I thought it was important:
After today, my soul needs sushi. Be back shortly with pictures of food and beer.
So good…
And, as I did not get one of the beer (Sapporo, naturally), you get your’s truly with his Grand Marniner.
And the dork is cracking himself up!!
Have a blessed day.
Candle in a Cave 