The creation of the city of Luxembourg began in 963 when Count Siegfried of Ardenne acquired this precipitous rocky spur from the abbey of Trier to build a stronghold which became known as Lucilinburhuc. Over the centuries, the fortress changed hands several times and it was held by Burgundians, Spaniards, Austrians and the French, all who extended the bulwarks. The rock became known as Gibraltar of the North. The fortress was razed in the 19th Century and little remains, but the site should be visited for its history, position and the stupendous views.