Gëlle Fra (Monument of Remembrance), Luxembourg

Luxembourgish for "Golden Lady," the Gëlle Fra is a monument located in Constitution Square. The square itself was created on an ancient Bock bastion overlooking the Pétrusse River and park in the valley below. The memorial is to the thousands of Luxembourgers who volunteered for service during the World Wars. It was built in 1923.

The centerpiece of the monument is a 21-meter tall granite obelisk. A gilded bronze statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, stands atop an obelisk.

Germany occupied Luxembourg during the First World War, so there was little that the nation's people could do to help the Allied Powers. But over 3,700 Luxembourgers living outside of the country volunteered to fight in the French army; over 2,000 of them became casualties of the war. The monument was created to honor their courage and sacrifice.

The Nazis dismantled the monument during WWII, but various pieces were recovered and restored. The Gëlle Fra statue was missing until she turned up under the national football stadium's main stands in 1980. Recent additions to the memorial have honored those who fought in World War II and the Korean War.

Immediately west of Constitution Square is the Casemates de la Pétrusse. Both are situated above the Parcs de la Pétrusse and Garden Luxembourg. Walking trails and stairways connect to the valley below, with beautiful views of the Adolphe Bridge crossing over the Pétrusse River and park.

Why You Should Visit:
You can see it from a distance but come near to experience its beauty.
The view of the city from the memorial area is even more fantastic.

Tip:
The best views of Gëlle Fra are during the Christmas market as the Ferris wheel is put up in the parking lot surrounding the statue and you can have a very close look.