Esch-sur-Alzette

Centenary of the town

Referred to as early as 1128 by the name of Asch in a bull of Pope Honorius II, Esch-sur-Alzette acquired the status of free town on the initiative of John the Blind in 1328.
As a result of enemy incursions, repeated fires, and destruction of its fortifications, the city eventually lost its town status during the French Revolution in July 1830. It was necessary to wait until 1841 to see the village of Esch-sur-Alzette rise from the ashes to become the capital of the canton of Esch.

Mining development

Mining development in the 19th century gave the city its nickname Iron metropolis. This renewal of activity allowed Esch-sur-Alzette to regain its town status on 29 May 1906 on the initiative of Grand Duke William IV. Industrial activity was brutally halted during World War I. After World War II, Esch-sur-Alzette developed rapidly before being severely affected by the progressive downturn in the iron and steel industry in the 1970s.

After World War II

Once more, Esch-sur-Alzette has fortunately found the resources to recover. Today it is the second principal town of the country. A cosmopolitan town with 37% foreign residents, the town is not only a pleasant place to live, it is also a magnet on the economic and industrial front. This attraction will increase tenfold with the future management of undeveloped industrial lands. It is in this context that the town looks resolutely to the future by seeking to develop in an equitable and responsible manner its quality of life, economy, as well as its cultural and technological fabric.

Stamp in detail

Stamp issue: Luxembourg, 16 May 2006
Stamp size: 34 x 34 mm
Design: Binsfeld Conseils
Print: offset by Cartor, La Loupe, France

More information

Deposit banking in Luxembourg
Chess Federation
Electrification Luxembourg railway
Stamps Luxembourg
Postage Stamps 2006