The main attraction of Luxembourg. The main attractions of Luxembourg

Paradise in miniature, where no one is in a hurry, and the streets and houses breathe bourgeois quality. The small but strikingly interesting county of Luxembourg, despite its size, is very attractive. It is not easy to see it on the map. This is the largest among small European states and the smallest among large ones. For your information, in 2008 the most rich country Luxembourg was recognized by Europe.

The average annual income per person is about 44.5 thousand US dollars, and this is only from a population of 500 thousand. The minimum wage is 1200 euros. The phenomenon of this is the result of the post-war government policy regarding taxation and the preservation of banking secrecy, as a result of which rivers of capital flowed into inconspicuous Luxembourg from all over the world.

Let's go back to history

Translated from Old German, Luxembourg means a small castle or fortress. Situated on steep cliffs that rise above the river, this castle was truly impregnable. It existed until 1867. The important strategic position of this city in the very center of Europe, which changed hands more than once, belonged to Spain, France, Austria and other hunters to take possession of profitable territory.

In the eighteenth century, the Grand Duchy was created in the territories adjacent to the city of Luxembourg, which began to be considered an independent state. Gaining independence contributed to accelerated economic growth. Metallurgy began to develop especially quickly. Energy consumed, including oil, gas, coal, is imported. That's why local residents are turning to alternative heating methods - solar panels, heat pumps.

Boundless spaces in a small state

Since 1995, Luxembourg City has become the cultural capital of Europe. And a year before that, the old part of the city was declared cultural heritage humanity. Two rivers divide Luxembourg into an upper and lower city. In the upper part you can see houses in the Gothic style, spiers and towers on the edge of cliffs, which nature skillfully depicted in the form of romantic scenes.

Due to its special location, a large role in architectural ensemble cities play bridges. There are more than a hundred of them in Luxembourg. Each of them is built according to an individual project. Two of them - the Adolphe Bridge and the Duchess Charlotte Bridge - connect the two parts of the city.

Whatever will be will be

The Burgundians, Spaniards, French, Austrians, Prussians came and went, but the Luxembourgers had no say in their fortress. The Sentinel of Luxembourg's Little Army is the latest reminder of the city's military past, the oldest part of which was built in the Spanish Renaissance style. The Grand Ducal Palace symbolizes Luxembourg's independence and is one of the country's most significant landmarks. Today it serves for representative purposes. Walking along the old fortress walls is a journey into the past.

The country, which was played like a ball by powerful powers, has turned into a great power, which is now rightly called the cradle of Europe.

Residence of the Grand Duke

In the center upper city, not far from Place Guillaume, is the residence of the Grand Duke. The palace with sophisticated towers and an ornate façade, made in the Mauritanian style, is in perfect harmony with the parliament building and the city hall. Local residents consider the Federal Cathedral of Notre Dame, built at the beginning of the seventeenth century, to be a source of pride for the main city square. There are always a lot of tourists here admiring the cathedral.

"Golden Frau"

Sights that Luxembourgers treasure:

• Notre Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg;
• monument "Golden Frau";
• Beaufort Castle;
• wine trail;
• Bok casemates;
• Chapel Saint-Kieren;
• Place Guillaume;
• Fort Thüngen;
• Palace of the Grand Dukes.

The casemates were built in the form of labyrinths back in 1644 during Spanish rule; in the eighteenth century, the Austrians reconstructed the catacombs, which are about 40 meters deep. At the end of the nineteenth century most of The catacombs were destroyed, but seventeen kilometers of tunnels were preserved. The casemates are open to tourists and are one of the attractions reminiscent of war times.

Museums of Luxembourg

The most famous museums Luxembourg, which are important attractions of the duchy:

• National Museum history and art.
• Museum of fortifications and weapons.
• Telecommunications Museum.
• Casino Luxembourg.
• Museum of Ancient Musical Instruments.
• Palace of the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg.

Public Transport Museum

This is a museum where no one meets you or tells you anything. In it you can find trams, drivers' caps, printing presses, and stamps. Small, high-quality trams and their updated counterparts, buses - all small in size, for ease of travel along small streets. Another exhibit of the museum is a model of a bus stop.

High-tech in a medieval body

The medieval capital is being reborn beyond recognition. Modern high-tech fills part of its center, surprising with its cold, fantastic forms. In one of these buildings there is a conservatory, where the most important events take place. cultural events. Luxembourgers are proud of the fact that they built cosmic forms into the medieval body of the city, which they proudly call their landmarks.

Bizarre Monuments of the Duchy

The monument to a bank office worker is a reminder that the duchy became a banking state, home to the largest investment funds.
The direct opposite of the previous monument is the monument to the very first Luxembourger.

Luxury state

The small territory of Luxembourg contains vineyards and castles, real mountain gorges and river valleys, quiet small towns and a cosmopolitan capital city. The population of this country speaks four languages, but their native language is Luxembourgish, which unites them into one nation.

Sights of Vianden

The great Victor Hugo lived in the city of Vianden, this fact is the pride of the town. And the second pride is the castle that towers over the city. This is not only the pride of Luxembourgers, but also the most epoch-making castle in the history of the state. This stone giant survived for several centuries. The portraits on the walls of the castle represent the entire history of the ruling dynasties. The Russian Embassy is another attraction of this town. On a hill in a quiet green park corner there is a castle in which our embassy has been located for more than fifty years. The former owner of the castle was the founder of a metallurgical dynasty.

Tourists are not the main source of income

Tourists for Luxembourg are not a profitable part of the country. The state receives its main income from vineyards and banks. And nothing else is needed for quiet, cozy European happiness. But Luxembourgers are always happy to see foreigners in their country. They are attentive, sociable and hospitable.

But in a small country there is always something to see, and one day is not enough to see all the sights. To continue your acquaintance with mini-countries, we advise you to go to those that also deserve your attention.

The name of this prosperous little country sounds like “little castle” in German. Luxembourg was named this way for a reason. This is due to the history of the country, on whose territory until the 10th century there was only a fort. Later formed small state, which has long been dependent on larger neighboring countries. Therefore, in Luxembourg you can hear German, French and Luxembourgish speech.

Despite its modest size, Luxembourg is distinguished by many attractions, among which ancient castles occupy a special place. All photos are supplemented with descriptions.

1. Residence of the Grand Duke

This building was built back in 1574 and only in 1890 began to function as the palace of the Grand Duke. The residence of the monarchs is open for inspection from July to August. At this time, the Grand Duke and his family retire to rest.

2. House-Museum of Victor Hugo

The great French novelist loved to visit Vianden. Here he created, fell in love, participated in putting out fires. In the house where the writer stayed and lived in 1935, the Victor Hugo Museum was created.

3. Bourshed Castle

Construction of this castle began in the 10th century. Over the course of a long period, the castle territory was expanded and the castle was rebuilt. As a result, Bourshed gained fame as one of the largest castles in Luxembourg.

4. Vianden Castle

This beautiful castle Europe is located high in the Ardennes and can only be reached by ski lift. The castle almost turned into a heap of ruins, but in the twentieth century it was restored and Vianden hospitably opened its doors to all visitors.

5. Chapel Saint-Kieren

The Chapel of Saint-Cyren was carved into the rock by the famous knights Teutonic Order in the 14th century For many centuries, this place has been a place of pilgrimage and worship of Faith, Hope and Love.

6. Wine Museum

This museum is located in the town of Ennen in the Moselle Valley - mainly wine region not only Luxembourg, but the whole world. In the wine museum you can see winemaking equipment that was used back in the 13th century.

7. Adolf Bridge

The Adolf Bridge was built in 1903 and named after the then ruler. At the beginning of the twentieth century, this bridge held the palm among all arch bridges in the world.

8. Fort Tüngen

This defensive fortress is named after its commandant, Baron von Thüngen. Built in 1732, the fortress was impregnable. Not many people knew about the 170-meter tunnel through which one could get to Tüngen.

9. Golden Frau

The Golden Frau is rightfully considered the symbol of the capital of Luxembourg. This monument is dedicated to the victims of the First World War.

10. Wine trail

The wine trail starts from the village of Schengen and extends along the Moselle River for 42 km. Along the trail there are famous vineyards, wineries and wine cellars where you can taste different types of wine.

11. Wolf Mouth Canyon

There were once wolves here, but they have long been gone from these places. But the name of the area has been preserved. This nature reserve Also called “little Switzerland” because of the extraordinary beauty and diversity of landscapes.

12. Parc de Ville

It's hard to believe that it's there modern park There once was an ancient fortress. This park is a favorite recreation spot for locals of all ages.

13. Casemates Petrus

This system underground passages created in the 17th century. Spaniards. Later, the casemates were improved by the Austrians. During the Second World War, the population hid from the Nazis in the Petrus Casemates.

14. Upper Sur

Making this National Park in 1999 pursued many goals: the conservation of the fauna and flora of Luxembourg, the development of tourism and forestry, as well as ancient architectural complexes principalities.

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Luxembourg is a picturesque and safe Duchy with a temperate climate. Comfortable hotels will open their doors to guests from anywhere in the world, and cafes and restaurants will delight you with delicious dishes. The sights of Luxembourg will also not disappoint tourists.

Historical sights of Luxembourg

Despite the abundance of ancient palaces and churches, the Bock casemates should be a must-see attraction in Luxembourg. They were located under the fortress at 23 km. Mysterious passages with dark chambers, barely penetrating rays of the sun, illuminating “exits” to the surface will attract the attention of adventurers. During war periods, casemates served as protection against enemy air attacks and saved hundreds of lives. Finding casemates will not be difficult, and there will be plenty of adventure.

The castle has turned into ruins, but a romantic atmosphere reigns there even today. You can walk not only along the overgrown paths, but also near the lake. There is also the opportunity to look inside the Renaissance castle and immerse yourself even more in the atmosphere. But it is not only nature that attracts attention to the castle. There used to be a prison there, so tourists look forward to a tour of the torture chambers, where tools and devices are displayed. In the evening, the walls are beautifully illuminated with lanterns.

The building occupies the heart of the country, and two rivers – Atert and Alzette – merge nearby. From its very foundation, the castle and its grounds belonged to landowners, until King William II turned it into the official residence of the viceroys. Restoration work was carried out after the destruction of the castle by the Germans. The Grand Duke still goes from here to work in the city to this day. It is impossible to visit this attraction in Luxembourg due to the increased level of security. The surrounding areas are also closed.

The sights of Luxembourg are very ancient. Vianden Castle is no exception. It was destroyed more than once, erected, destroyed again, and again work was carried out to revive it. Its walls are impregnable, getting inside is quite problematic, because it is surrounded by mountains and a river. However, the hall with weapons exhibits is worth getting inside. All items have been restored so carefully that they cannot be distinguished from the original.

Today the building houses administrative bodies. The castle consists of several parts, which together represent the town hall. Once destroyed by the French, piles of stones lay for a long time until a new castle was erected by the chief of police. After purchasing the territory, the administration of the commune also decided to carry out restoration, and now tourists can admire the modern building on Independence Square. At the entrance there is a statue of Nicholas Franz.

The sights of Luxembourg are very picturesque. This hidden town began to actively develop after the advice of Master Ledur to build a resort here. Tourists reached out one after another, among whom was Victor Hugo. He explored the surroundings and received treatment at the same time mineral waters against rheumatism. Healing springs and climate are the main reasons for the huge flow of migrants. If you walk a couple of kilometers, you can admire the sights in the surrounding area.

Rich kings donated more than once for the construction and development of the building. An interesting case included in the list of UNESCO intangible heritage is related to the abbey. Many believers were drawn to the relics of the founder. The peculiarity of the procession is that it is a dancing one. The authorities cannot do anything about this, despite the fact that it is all pagan. Patients with paralysis did not have smooth movements, so their movements became part of the process over time.

What to see in Luxembourg - the largest castle! You can get to it by car, admiring the foothills along the way. Rising above the Sauer River, the castle has the shape of a triangle. Over the centuries, the structure was expanded and rebuilt until it reached its current size. The owners changed one after another, but this did not stop the castle from falling into disrepair. Soon they began to restore it thanks to the help of the state, and it became a national treasure of the country.

The place has a modern appearance and accommodates a large number of banks, shops, breweries and other buildings. Walking around the area, you can notice the contrast between skyscrapers and ancient quarters and fortress walls. Arm Square is the central place to try Tasty food in one of the cafes. The main attraction is the Church of St. John and the former New Monastery, which was previously both a barracks and a prison.

10. Upper town

The Gothic streets of the historical part of the city will amaze you with their atmosphere and inspire you to take long walks. The Duke's ancient residence is a mansion with an unusual Moorish-style facade. The decoration of the square is Notre Dame Cathedral. Gothic lovers should definitely visit St. Michael's Church. If walking around the city quickly gets boring, you can find a bench and admire beautiful views. There is an opportunity to admire the Lower Town from the observation deck in order to plan a route for a new walk.

Luxembourg is a city of contrasts and a small state. Along with palaces made of glass and concrete, the country is home to small ancient houses with vegetable gardens, flower beds and front gardens with roses. In a word, a luxury country. One day is enough for an inspection, although this statement is very controversial. You can't have enough Luxembourg!

While walking around the city, it is striking that there are clouds of Russian-speaking tourist groups on the streets. Let's come here in large numbers. But there are even more Afro-Luxembourgers (or Luxembourgers). They can be found in almost any cafe or restaurant. They sit, drink coffee and chat. I wonder when they work? By the way, it is not so easy to dine in a restaurant in Luxembourg at lunchtime; all tables in restaurants are occupied, especially in the center, with the exception of McDonald's and Chinese restaurants.

View from one of the "balconies".

The frequency is perfect everywhere, the streets seem to be licked and washed with shampoo. If you are lucky enough to be in Luxembourg during the fair, you will be pleasantly surprised by the abundance and variety of cheeses. Cheese is a product made from milk produced by cows that calmly walk along Luxembourg's amazingly green, well-groomed lawns. And the lawns are all on the mountains, and between them are tall, like fairy-tale bridges. Maybe this is why Luxembourg is called the balcony of Europe. These bridge-balconies offer amazing views!
Residents of Luxembourg each speak five languages. They are to be envied. But we tried to talk to the bus driver a couple of times, but he pretended that he didn’t know English and didn’t talk to us. We didn't believe him at all.

The Palace of the Duke of Luxembourg is guarded by a guard of honor consisting of one guard.

The Shier River, where you can fish, having previously obtained a license.

Obelisk in Luxembourg.

On the obelisk in the center of Luxembourg there is an inscription: “We want to remain who we are.” Once upon a time, a long time ago, the Dutch governor argued with the Prussian commander, standing on one of the Luxembourg hills, who the Luxembourgers, the Prussians or the Dutch were. For Luxembourgers it was already clear then that they were neither one nor the other, they were Luxembourgers.

Luxembourg Notre Dame.

Here lies the adored Duchess Charlotte, adored by all Luxembourgers, thanks to whom the country became the richest country in Europe. The secret of such prosperity is simple. Charlotte married her daughter to a wealthy emir of the Middle East, who gave her very valuable advice: make Luxembourg an offshore banking zone with very low interest rates on loans plus complete anonymity for depositors. It's really simple. Learn. With a population of half a million people in Luxembourg, the country soon had nowhere to put money.

In these Luxembourg catacombs, in caves, after the war, a huge arsenal of many European states was kept for a long time.

There are many bridges in Luxembourg.

What to see in Luxembourg.

1. Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral.
2. National Museum of Luxembourg.
3. Palace of the Grand Duke and Cathedral of Our Lady.
4. Rock Chapel of San Kieren.

5. Church of St. John on the Stone.

Hamilius Square, where there is a market every Saturday. From this square you can walk along one of two pedestrian streets: Post Street and Monterey Avenue. At the end of these streets there is Parade Square, where there are many cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, and tourist life is in full swing here, street performances are held and there are always a lot of people.

There are several museums in Luxembourg:

Weapons museum;

Museum of History;

Museum of Folk Life;

Museum of Ancient Musical Instruments.

You can enjoy cycling around Luxembourg. If there is an opportunity to go to this small, but amazing country Don’t hesitate to go, you won’t regret it!

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Luxembourg is the capital of the same name of one of the smallest independent states in Europe. But this is exactly the case when size does not matter. Despite its compactness (both the main city and the country itself, which can be crossed from north to south in literally an hour to an hour and a half), Luxembourg has a unique architectural “face” and flavor, stands out from its neighboring countries and, most likely, from a tourist point of view vision will give you a lot of pleasure.

Over the centuries, Luxembourg was ruled by one or another conqueror, but the greatest influence on the Grand Duchy came from neighboring Germany and France.

Luxembourg is always included in itineraries in Europe or the Benelux countries for organized tourists: huge buses stop at a couple of points in the city at observation platforms so that people can take pictures against the backdrop of a “Luxembourg postcard”, and then carry travelers tired of the road and the abundance of impressions to the next European country.

In this article you will find a detailed (and not just for show) route around the capital of the Grand Duchy - Luxembourg - for independent tourists. Depending on how much time you have in the city (from a couple of hours to two days), I will tell you how to spend it in the most optimal and interesting way, what you must see and do, and also how to save a little, if relevant.

More than 100 thousand people live in the city of Luxembourg and its suburbs, which is almost a quarter of the population of the entire state. Luxembourg, which first emerged as an independent entity in 963 (then just a small fortified castle on top of the steep Bock cliff), today, thanks to its economic policies, ranks 4th in the world in terms of income of the indigenous population. This very standard of living, when you find yourself in Luxembourg, is immediately visible to the naked eye: huge number offices of the largest international banks and companies, an abundance of expensive and ultra-expensive cars on the streets, elegant villas - almost Monaco, only in the very center of Europe and without access to the sea.

Where to stay in Luxembourg

So, you have arrived in the center of Luxembourg (despite the fact that you are not a Chinese tourist, who usually only has 10-15 minutes for a photo).

Details about (in different ways) read here.

Where to go now?

Starting point for walking route in Luxembourg it is traditionally considered Constitution Square. There is also a stop here from where green or red Luxembourg tourist tickets depart around the city. busesHopon, hopoff(in and out). Located in the center of Constitution Square monument entitled"Golden Lady" . This is a war monument in honor of the Luxembourger volunteers who went to the front and died during the First World War. “The Golden Lady” is a 21-meter granite obelisk with a gilded statue of a woman on its top, with a laurel wreath in her hands, at the foot of which there are two figures - a reclining dead person and the one sitting, mourning him. It's nearby Casino Luxembourg , and from the observation deck there is a view ofM ost Adolf ( built between 1900 and 1903 and named after Grand Duke Adolf), as well as the Petrus River valley that flows through the city. It was at the time when I found myself in Luxembourg that a mobile attraction was installed in the city on Constitution Square - City Skyliner observation deck . Because it's not permanent Observation deck

(she will stay in Luxembourg from June 28 to August 6, 2017), unfortunately, I cannot recommend it. But in this article I will show panoramic views of the capital of Luxembourg from a height of 81 meters and a 360-degree view.

Constitution Square

Adolf Bridge

The foot of the obelisk "Golden Lady"

View of Constitution Square from the observation deck Near Constitution Square there is an impressive Notre Dame Cathedral of Luxembourg is the main Roman Catholic city, built on the site of a Jesuit church from the early 17th century. This is a very interesting building from an architectural point of view in the late Gothic style with elements and details of the Renaissance. Be sure to go inside and pay attention to the statue of the Virgin Mary, to whom the temple is dedicated and which is especially revered by the townspeople, as well as the amazing stained glass windows. In the crypt of the cathedral there is a tomb of the rulers of Luxembourg - the Grand Dukes.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Luxembourg

Coming out of the Cathedral, turning left and walking down the wide Roosevelt Boulevard for another 100-150 meters, you will come to the so-called justice quarter. On the square there is Constitutional Court of Luxembourg and other administrative buildings that were built relatively recently, in the early 2000s. They are not particularly interesting, but the observation deck located here overlooking the Old (lower) city is part of Boulevard de la Corniche, the main and most popular attraction of Luxembourg. Almost all guidebooks mention the name of this place as “one of the most beautiful balconies in Europe.” This comparison comes from Batty Weber, a famous Luxembourgish writer and journalist.

The entire Old Town, located at the foot of the Bock rock, through which the Alzette river flows, is listed World Heritage UNESCO. One of the recognizable views of the duchy, which are usually printed on postcards, opens from this part of the pedestrian “balcony”.

In the "Quarter of Justice"

After this, leaving the square in front of the Constitutional Court and turning right, go deeper into the Upper Old city along the street of the Holy Spirit (Rue de Saint Esprit). She will lead you to Palace of the Grand Dukes, which remains the official residence of the head of Luxembourg to this day. The “public” part of the Ducal Palace can be viewed within organized excursion(alas, not held in Russian), and part of the entrance fee goes to a special charitable foundation established by the Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg. Near the entrance to the Palace there is a guard of Luxembourg army soldiers - only one or two people. Luxembourg is considered one of the most safe places Europe, therefore the protection here is purely symbolic.

Palace of the Grand Dukes with its formidable guard

After the Palace, take a walk around the Old Town in the direction you want. The streets are lined with cafes, restaurants and a variety of shops - expensive boutiques and mid-range ones. Surprisingly, there are almost no bakeries or small private grocery stores in this quarter. So if your hotel is located in this part of the city, you will have to look for a croissant for breakfast or food for a snack. Main squares- This Place d'Armes And Place Guiliame II, where the city hall is located and Luxembourg Tourism Office. I personally liked the first square more - the cozy and green Place d'Armes, this is where it is most pleasant to sit in a cafe (even if it is a tourist one).

One of the main shopping streets of the Old Town of Luxembourg

However, the minimum program for Luxembourg will be incomplete if you do not see the Old lower city from another viewing point of the “balcony” - opposite the one opposite the Constitutional Court. There is also another major attraction here - Bock rock casemates– a network of underground passages in the rocks under the Luxembourg Fortress, once stretching for 23 kilometers (now “only” about 17). Today it is a popular Luxembourg museum, where weapons and rarities found during the dismantling of the Luxembourg fortress are exhibited. The exact address: Montee de Clausen, 10.

Having got out of the casemates into the fresh air, take a deep breath and enjoy the most beautiful views (for those who are afraid of heights, it is better not to lean too far down, it’s really scary). At the foot of the Bock rock at the bottom of the gorge, the Alzette River runs and foams; on stone terraces located in tiers below, local residents grow corn, tomatoes, pumpkins and other vegetables; sometimes you can see planes soaring into the sky from Luxembourg airport... Very beautiful!

The route that I described above can easily be completed in 2.5-3 hours. If you have a full day from morning to evening, or you are staying overnight in Luxembourg, you can devote the second day museums And parks Luxembourg. The main one is Modern Art MuseumMUDAM, located in the European quarter of the city at a distance of approximately 2-3 kilometers from historical center. You can get there on foot (the modern business quarter is visible from the Old Town), but the most convenient way is by car or local bus (No. 1 and No. 16 & Eurobus, stop - Philharmonie/Mudam). Next to the MUDAM Museum there is a beautiful building of the main concert hall Luxembourg – Philharmonic.

European Quarter and MUDAM Museum of Contemporary Art

Another interesting museum – Villa Vauban– a couple of hundred meters from the Old Town (18, avenue Emile Reuter). The Villa building, in the middle of a large green park stretching across several blocks, houses the collection of the Luxembourg Museum of Art with works from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Helpful information:

If you're traveling by car, keep in mind that many outdoor public parking areas are free on weekends. It is better to park a little further from the Old Town, for example here (Fouerplaatz). In general, there are several such “intercept” parking lots along the perimeter of the historical center.

On weekdays, parking is paid, but there are always enough spaces, and it’s a nice walk to the center in a few minutes.

You can choose a rental car for your trip to Europe using this form:

(instant comparison of offers, prices and conditions of the world's leading car rental companies, online booking confirmation and flexible conditions, discounts, super offers)

This is not particularly mentioned on tourism and official websites, but on Saturdays travel on almost all city buses in Luxembourg is free (from 2015 to the end of 2017, at least as an experiment). This was done to encourage people to leave their cars at home on weekends and go shopping on public transport. Tourists, of course, are also pleased with this city initiative. And since the summer of 2019, all public transport in Luxembourg they promise to make it free.

Entrance to the MUDAM Museum of Contemporary Art was free for us. However, this was rather an exceptional case; on one Sunday, Luxembourgers who knew about this went en masse to the Museum to see the works of contemporary authors. A ticket to MUDAM for adults costs 7 euros, but if you happen to be in Luxembourg on a Wednesday, entry to MUDAM is free from 18.00 to 23.00 on an ongoing basis.

Elena Kurylenko