5 Famous Monuments and their Stories in Luxembourg

Luxembourg may be small, but its streets and squares are filled with statues and monuments that tell fascinating stories. From national symbols and royal figures to local legends and city mascots, these sculptures reflect the history, culture and identity of Luxembourg.

1. Gëlle Fra – The Golden Lady

Location: Place de la Constitution, L-1478 Luxembourg City

Standing tall over Place de la Constitution, the Gëlle Fra (Golden Lady) is one of Luxembourg’s most recognizable landmarks. Erected in 1923, this monument was created in memory of Luxembourgers who volunteered to fight in the First World War. The bronze figure of an angel holding a laurel wreath was designed by sculptor Claus Cito and has come to symbolize peace, resilience and remembrance.

Over the years, the statue’s story has been dramatic — including its removal during the Second World War, later rediscovery and reconstruction. Today it stands not only as a war memorial but as a tribute to all Luxembourgers who have fallen in service.

2. Melusina – The Mythic Mermaid of the Alzette

Location: 13, Rue Plaetis, L-2338, Luxembourg City

In the charming Grund quarter, you’ll find a unique sculpture of Melusina, a legendary mermaid linked to Luxembourg’s mythical founding story. Installed in 2015 and created using 3D printing techniques, this modern representation by artist Serge Ecker captures a medieval tale: Melusina is said to have married Count Siegfried on the condition that he never see her on Saturdays. When he broke this promise, he discovered her secret — Melusina was a mermaid — and she vanished into the Alzette River forever.

This blend of myth and urban art makes the Melusina statue a beautiful symbol of Luxembourg City’s origins — and a reminder of the rich legends that shaped its cultural imagination.

3. Equestrian Statue of William II

Location: Place Guillaume II, L-1648 Luxembourg City

At the heart of Luxembourg City’s Place Guillaume II stands the impressive Equestrian Statue of William II, honoring the king and grand duke who ruled from 1840 to 1849. Cast in bronze by French sculptor Antonin Mercié with the horse by Victor Peter, this monument commemorates William II’s role in granting Luxembourg its first parliamentary constitution — a milestone in the country’s political history.

The statue’s base is decorated with the coats of arms of both Luxembourg and the House of Orange-Nassau, as well as those of the country’s 12 cantons. It’s a powerful blend of art, history and national identity in one central square.

4. Blannen Theis – The Blind Minstrel of the Moselle

Location: 1, Place du Marché, L-6755, Grevenmacher

In Grevenmacher, you’ll find a statue of Blannen Theis, the blind travelling musician who became a beloved folk figure in Luxembourg. Born Mathias Schou in 1747, he travelled from village to village playing violin and entertaining crowds at markets, weddings and fairs, accompanied by his wife and their dog. Though records vary on the exact extent of his blindness, he was widely known by the nickname blannen Theis (meaning “blind Theis”).

His story took on a legendary quality as he became one of the earliest figures to perform in Luxembourgish, helping to preserve and spread folk songs that remain part of local culture today. Even though he died in poverty in 1824, his legacy lives on, immortalized in statue and song.

5. Diekirch and Its Donkeys — The Mascot of a City

Location: Throughout Diekirch (e.g., fountains, public spaces)

Diekirch is affectionately known as the “City of Donkeys”, a unique nickname reflected in public art, fountains and even weather vanes. Donkeys are everywhere — from the famous fountain in the pedestrian area to monuments celebrating the animal that once helped local farmers work the steep slopes around the town.

While there are a few stories about how this tradition began, one charming explanation is that the donkey became a symbol of the local people’s resilience and good humour. What was once a term of jest has now become a proud mascot for the city, celebrated each year in local festivities.

Explore more with LetzLife

Exploring statues and monuments is a great way to discover Luxembourg’s history and local identity. If you’d like to go further, you can join guided tours to explore Luxembourg’s landmarks, dive into Luxembourg’s culture and entertainment scene, experience local festivals and traditions, or check events happening in Luxembourg throughout the year.

Sources & Further Reading

Content for each statue was informed by official and trusted tourism and history sites:

• Gëlle Fra details from the Luxembourg government history page.

• Melusina and William II info from Luxembourg City tourism.

• Blannen Theis story from RTL Luxembourg Insider.

• Diekirch’s donkey mascot tradition from Visit Diekirch.