Pfaffenthal, an old district nestled in the Alzette Valley

One of the 24 districts of Luxembourg City, the Pfaffenthal (Pafendall) district is nestled in the Alzette valley. Pfaffenthal is the oldest district of the capital of the Grand Duchy, it was populated in Roman times. Like the Grund and Clausen districts, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. The Pfaffenthal, which was long misunderstood and unloved, has come out of the shadows since its opening up.

The Pfaffenthal is nestled at the foot of the Rock, below the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge. It extends from Kirchberg to Limpertsberg, up to the north-east of the Upper Town, near the railway viaduct. Its atmosphere is special, very different from the other districts of the city of Luxembourg.

Population in the Pfaffenthal district

The historical village of Pfaffenthal

The Pfaffenthal district appears as a small village out of time. It has a calm and peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the dynamism and bustle of the Upper Town. If it had previously counted 2,500 inhabitants, the dismantling of the fortress in the 19th century has left this district which counts today 1,300 inhabitants.

The Pfaffenthal is a historic and picturesque district and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It keeps the traces of its Roman and artisanal past. The road connecting Reims to Trier crossed theAlzette. The district lived then from its small industries, with bistros and shops welcoming the inhabitants and the travelers. Today, there are still small, narrow, cobbled streets, giving off a very peaceful atmosphere.

However, the neighborhood is now getting a new lease on life. Thanks to the Pfaffenthal panoramic elevator, which has been open since July 2016, the district is connected to the Upper Town on one side. On the other side, the funicular provides direct access to the tramway and the Kirchberg district.

Pfaffenthal Amenities

With the recent opening up of the Pfaffenthal, it has been given a new lease of life. Professionals are again coming to settle there, such as osteopaths or physiotherapists, lawyers… Local shops and bistros are coming back to life.

The former mustard factory Muerbelsmillen has been rehabilitated. One part was converted into a museum “Moschterfabrik” and the other part into student accommodation.

The Convent of the Holy Spirit has also been renovated. Today it houses a residence for the elderly.

Transportation/Bus : Only the 23 and CN1 buses pass through this neighborhood with 9 bus stops.

The Pfaffenthal elevator opened in 2016 and transports more than 30,000 people per month, residents and tourists. It now allows to quickly reach the park of Pescatore de la Ville-Haute. On the other side of the valley, the funicular and its connection with the tramway allows quick access to the Kirchberg, at the level of the Red Bridge.

Schools: There is an Early and Basic School in this neighborhood. It is located on Rue du Pont.

Shops: There is only one small food store. See the shopping section.

Relaxation and leisure: nestled on the banks of the Alzette, the district offers spaces for relaxation. It is ideal for cycling and jogging. There are several green spaces including Odendahl Park, a community garden and 4 playgrounds.

The most athletic can practice their favorite sport on a soccer field, a multi-sports field and the Gaston Diderich Stadium.

Living in Pfaffenthal

The neighborhood is a protected area. The inhabitants have been living there for a long time.

The Pfaffenthal district is undergoing a major transformation. Its strategic location between the Kirchberg business district and the city center makes it an ideally situated district, long disadvantaged by its isolation.

New construction is rare, except for social housing. Many empty buildings are owned by the municipality. The rare private mansions are offered at very high prices. Few products are on sale.

Before choosing the district where to live in Luxembourg, see our study of sales prices and rents in the different districts of Luxembourg City.

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