Casemates du Bock Travel Guide

The Casemates du Bock are an extensive network of underground tunnels located in Luxembourg City. Carved into the Bock promontory, the casemates offer a fascinating journey through the city's military history.Construction of the casemates began in 1644, during the Spanish rule, and were expanded by the Austrians and Prussians. These tunnels, stretching over 23 kilometers, served as a defense system, providing shelter for soldiers and storage for weapons. The casemates were strategically important, allowing defenders to move discreetly and launch counterattacks. The location could house around 50 cannons and 1,200 soldiers.During World War I and World War II, the casemates were used as air raid shelters, protecting up to 35,000 people from bombings. Today, visitors can explore a portion of these tunnels, witnessing the narrow passageways, storage rooms, and gun emplacements. The tunnels provide unique views of the city and the Alzette River valley. The archaeological crypt displays remains of the first castle.The Bock Casemates, along with the city's old town, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.