Jitin Thukral’s Post

Fortress of Luxembourg The Fortress of Luxembourg was of great strategic importance for the control of the Left Bank of the Rhine, the Low Countries, and the border area between France and Germany. The fortifications were built gradually over nine centuries, from soon after the city's foundation in the tenth century until 1867. By the end of the Renaissance, Luxembourg was already one of Europe's strongest fortresses, but it was the period of great construction in the 17th and 18th centuries that gave it its fearsome reputation. Due to its strategic location, it became caught up in Europe-wide conflicts between the major powers such as the Habsburg–Valois wars, the War of the Reunions, and the French Revolutionary Wars, and underwent changes in ownership, sieges, and major alterations, as each new occupier—the Burgundians, French, Austrian and Spanish Habsburgs, and Prussians—made their own improvements and additions. The city's great significance for the frontier between the Second French Empire and the German Confederation led to the 1866 Luxembourg Crisis, almost resulting in a war between France and Prussia over possession of the German Confederation's main western fortress. The 1867 Treaty of London required Luxembourg's fortress to be torn down and for Luxembourg to be placed in perpetual neutrality, signalling the end of the city's use as a military site. Since then, the remains of the fortifications have become a major tourist attraction for the city. In 1994, the fortress remains and the city's old quarter were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join us in the latest edition of the #EHLinYourCountry Series, where we're taking a virtual journey through the cultural gems of Czech Republic! 🤩 This time, we're enchanted by the historical wonders of: 🏰 Olomouc Premyslid Castle and Archdiocesan Museum The Olomouc Premyslid Castle and Archdiocesan Museum are a focal point of Moravian presence in European history. It is an early center of Christianity, a place that preserves and highlights the high level of artistic patronage of the archbishops of Moravia, and a fine example of heritage conservation in the region. 🏰 Kynžvart Chateau – Place of Diplomatic Meetings Nestled in the picturesque west of the Czech Republic, Kynžvart Castle is a true marvel surrounded by a sprawling historical park spanning 293 hectares. 🌳✨ In the 19th century, Austrian Chancellor Prince Klemens von Metternich orchestrated the castle's grand reconstruction, leaving an indelible mark on its architectural legacy. 📜 As a place of memory, Kynžvart Castle echoes the discussions and negotiations of European diplomacy. It stands as a symbol of the search for balance between major European states. While Chancellor Metternich's ownership adds historical weight, the site's focus lies on its diplomatic significance. 🏠 Werkbund Estates in Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland) Additionally, let's not forget the significant architectural experiment that was the Werkbund Estates in Europe 1927-1932, spanning across 4 countries including Czech Republic. These estates, inspired by the "New Objectivity" movement, aimed to address the widespread lack of suitable housing in post-World War I Europe. Despite facing challenges in conveying their progressive ideas, these estates left a profound influence on 20th-century modernist architecture, reflecting the social, political, and aesthetic aspirations of their time. Have you visited Kynžvart Castle, Olomouc Premyslid Castle and Archdiocesan Museum, or any of the Werkbund Estates? Let us know in the comments below! #EHL #EHLinYourCountry #EuropeanHeritage #CreativeEurope

Discover 10 interesting facts about Liechtenstein, known for its small size, alpine landscapes, strong financial sector, and unique cultural heritage.

Maastricht is a city and municipality in the south of Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of Limburg and has 122,692 inhabitants (January 31, 2023). This makes it the largest municipality in the province of Limburg. Maastricht originated at a fordable place in the river Maas, to which it owes its name (Maastricht = Mosa Trajectum = passage through the Meuse). Maastricht has been continuously inhabited for two thousand years.The city has a long and eventful history, including the numerous historic buildings and art treasures in churches and museums. to give evidence. The city gained international recognition due to the Maastricht Treaty (1992), which established the European Union as the European currency euro in its current form. The city is often seen as "foreign" in the rest of the Netherlands, especially due to its peripheral location close to Belgium and Germany, but also due to the atypical landscape, the Maaslandse housing construction, the different history, the complicated language situation, the influence of Catholicism (in the past more than now), the strong emphasis on community life and folklore, and the alleged Burgundian way of life.

The Dutch city of Maastricht is well worth a visit, seeing it has the second-highest number of national heritage buildings in the Netherlands (second only to Amsterdam). Moreover, its entire city center including the city hall, several notable churches, the striking St. Servatius Bridge, and a number of museums, is a conservation area. In an EU context, Maastricht is best known for being the place where the EU in its present form was formally founded through the contract of the same name. The Maastricht Treaty replaced the Treaties of Rome, laying the foundation for a hitherto unknown degree of cooperation in foreign and security policy as well as judicial and domestic affairs. And it did so in an suitably charming historical atmosphere. #citiesofeurope #europeanunion #maastricht Image by Pixabay

Project for the reconstruction of cultural heritage buildings. Projekt zur Rekonstruktion von Kulrurgebäuden.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Vatican City: there are a few places in Europe that seem to have fallen out of time, not fitting into our usual idea of a (democratic) country. Luxembourg, or Lëtzebuerg in the local language, has approx. 660,000 inhabitants – fewer than Frankfurt! – but is a key player in a European context as a founding member of the EU and one of the latter's four official seats: It is home to the Secretariat of the European Parliament, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the European Court of Auditors. Luxembourg is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, the head of state is the reigning Grand Duke. The country is divided into twelve cantons with a total of 100 communes and shares borders with Belgium, Germany, and France. It has also strong ties to the Netherlands, together with which (and Belgium) it forms the BeNeLux region. So don't let its small size fool you! #citiesofeurope #europeanunion #luxembourg Image by Pixabay

The infographic below depicts the shifting territorial boundaries of #France, highlighting periods of expansion and contraction from 985 to 1947. #France's Changing Borders: A Historical Overview (985-1947) #France's borders have experienced significant changes over the centuries, marked by invasions, territorial gains, and losses. The infographic illustrates these fluctuations, showcasing the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of France's territorial history. From the early medieval period in 985 through to the mid-20th century in 1947, France's boundaries were far from stable. The country expanded its territory through conquests and strategic marriages, while also facing invasions and ceding land through treaties and wars. Key events that influenced these border changes include: 1. Medieval Expansion. During the early years, France expanded its influence by annexing neighboring territories. The marriage alliances and feudal conflicts of the medieval period played a significant role in this territorial growth. 2. **Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)**: This prolonged conflict between #France and #England resulted in substantial territorial changes, with France eventually reclaiming much of its land by the war's end. 3. **Renaissance and Early Modern Period (15th-17th centuries)**: France continued to grow, engaging in wars with neighboring powers like #Spain and the Holy Roman Empire. Key treaties, such as the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, solidified some of these territorial gains. 4. **Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815)**: The #French Revolution and subsequent Napoleonic Wars drastically altered France's borders, with France initially expanding its territory across much of Europe. However, after Napoleon's defeat, the Congress of Vienna (1815) restored many of the previous boundaries. 5. **19th and Early 20th Centuries**: France engaged in several conflicts, including the #Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), which resulted in the loss of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany. These territories were later regained after World War I through the Treaty of Versailles (1919). 6. **World War II and Aftermath**: The #German occupation during World War II (1940-1944) temporarily altered France's borders. Post-war treaties and adjustments in 1947 marked the end of significant territorial changes in mainland France. Despite the turbulent history of its borders, France has eventually settled into its current territorial configuration. However, this overview does not include France's former and present colonies, which have their own complex histories of colonization and decolonization. The infographic serves as a visual reminder of the historical volatility of #France's borders and the various factors—political, military, and diplomatic—that have shaped the nation's geography over the centuries.

The exhibition ”Crossroads: Sweden-Ukraine through 1000 Years” is not only an exhibition. It is also a collaboration about safe-guarding European legacy for future generations. About connecting different parts of cultural heritage: artifacts, archives and immaterial cultural heritage. About links between ancient and contemporary history. But most of all, it is about building bridges between people.

🌍✨ The Baltic States: A Tapestry of Resilience and Rich Cultural Heritage ✨🌍 Dive into the enchanting world of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with a riveting article on the enduring spirit of the Baltic States. From their historic journey to independence to the vibrant tapestry of culture and identity, the Baltics beckon with tales of tenacity and community. 🌿 Geographical and Cultural Overview: Explore the lush landscapes of the Baltic States and the captivating cities of Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius that pulsate with history and modern vibrancy. 🕰️ Historical Context: Unravel the tumultuous yet triumphant history of the Baltic States, from their struggle for independence to the reclamation of sovereignty amidst challenging times. 🏛️ Political Developments: Witness the emergence of national governments and the harmonious integration of the Baltic States into the European Union, marking a new chapter in their political landscape. 🌐 International Relations: Delve into the intricate web of global alliances and relationships that define the Baltic States' stance on democracy, economic development, and security. 🌟 Sincerely share your thoughts and feelings on this captivating journey through the Baltic States. How does their story resonate with your own experiences and observations? 🌟 https://lnkd.in/gKyVe_UX