Description

SEPAC – ARCHITECTURE: HÔTEL DES POSTES

A reflection of Luxembourg’s architectural history

Architecture is the theme of this year’s SEPAC edition, with its focus on the architectural history of member countries.

POST Philately has chosen the Hôtel des Postes in Luxembourg City as its motif. This building served as the head office of POST Luxembourg for over a hundred years – until 2017 – and is currently being converted into a hotel.

After the Prussian garrison left the city, the post office initially moved into their former barracks at beim Piquet – at the top of what is today Rue Aldringen – in 1869. However, the building soon proved inadequate for its purpose.

A new post office – today’s Hôtel des Postes – was therefore erected between 1908 and 1910, based on the plans of architect Sosthène Weis. Located on a newly chosen site on Rue Aldringen, the building soon became one of the city’s landmarks and housed Luxembourg’s main post office until 2017.

The Hôtel des Postes is an exceptional example of French Neo-Renaissance architecture in Luxembourg. It combines modern construction technology with traditional stone facing, with stone from Luxembourg quarries used for the visible parts of the building. With its harmonious proportions, the majestic yet unpretentious facade is decorated with sculptural ornaments and figurative elements. Renowned Luxembourg sculptors Pierre Federspiel, Jean Mich, Claus Cito and J.-B. Wercollier were commissioned to design them.

The Hôtel des Postes has been a listed building since 2018 and is located in an area protected by UNESCO. The current renovation highlights the artistic and architectural qualities of the building.