By the end of the 19th century, the rural hamlet town, Esch, changed into a rich industrial city.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Esch desired to develop its economic role to match that of the political capital, Luxembourg-City. Plans for urbanization began in 1906. In 1924, the renowned German town planner Joseph Stübben extended the plan and created new quarters. In addition, the arts prospered to complement the flourishing city. The project managers, having their origins in Germany, Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg, incorporated many traditional elements from these countries into their designs.

As a result, different styles appeared in Esch, both in the new rich quarter Del’héicht and the main street, rue de l’Alzette.  The various styles exhibited within city limits include art inspired by the school of Nancy, Italian liberalism, German eclecticism, French Neo-Gothic, Art Deco, Functionalism and Post-Modernism. The esthetic appeal of the city along with the design of the homes reflects the cultural and religious values of these various architects.

The architectural walk

A short promenade lets you discover the architecture of the widely preserved city. The 5 km long walk begins at the Berwart-Tower (1763), an ancient entrance of the baroque castle (1721) which was destroyed in 1954. Following the path, take the street rue Emile Mayrisch, then pass the elementary school Del’héicht (1916) and the hospital (1925-1930) to join the street Rue du Fossé. From the high school "Lycée des Garcons" (1909), continue along past the church Saint-Joseph (1873) and descend to the Townhall (1935-1937).  From here, you will turn into rue de l’Alzette, these days a pedestrian and shopping zone. Following the rue de l’Alzette, you will come across the "Brillschoul", which passes through the street rue Zénon Bernard.  Here, you have the opportunity to see the house of liberty style, constructed by a rich Italian immigrant (1905), and the Sacré-Coeur Cathedral (1931).  Finally you will come upon the Place de la Résistance where the national museum of the Luxembourgish (1956) is located.
Take again the street rue Zénon Bernard, and cross the street rue de la Libération, then take the street rue Bolivar, and finally l’avenue de la Gare to arrive at the departure point rue Boltgen.

A detailed plan is available at the City Tourist Office, near the Hotel de Ville.