It was designed by the engineer Edmond Petit, who also contributed to several other railway projects in the region.
The bridge was specifically commissioned to improve connectivity after the arrival of the railway in Luxembourg in 1859.
Despite being a pedestrian-focused bridge today, it was initially designed to accommodate horse-drawn carriages.
The viaduct acts as a visual landmark separating the industrial-era architecture of the Gare district from the medieval fortifications of the UNESCO-listed city center.
The stone used in construction is classic Luxembourg sandstone, sourced from local quarries that operated during the mid-19th century.
La Passerelle, formally known as the Viaduc de la Pétrusse, is a stone arch bridge constructed between 1859 and 1861 to connect Luxembourg City's central station district with the historic upper town. It spans 290 meters across the Pétrusse valley at a height of 45 meters above the valley floor. The structure features three primary arches and several smaller arches designed to provide stability across the steep terrain. It serves as a vital pedestrian and cyclist thoroughfare, bypassing the congested road traffic of the neighboring Adolphe Bridge. The bridge is built from local Luxembourg sandstone, reflecting 19th-century civil engineering aesthetics. It facilitates a direct passage between the Gare district and the Ville Haute historic center.
From the bottom of the Pétrusse valley looking upward to capture the full vertical span of the arches.
Visit during the golden hour to capture the sun hitting the sandstone arches against the lush valley greenery.
Access the bridge from the Ville Haute side to combine your walk with a tour of the nearby Chemin de la Corniche.
Combine your walk with a descent into the Pétrusse Park below to view the scale of the arches from ground level.
Do not mistake it for the nearby Adolphe Bridge, which carries heavy motor vehicle traffic and is less pedestrian-friendly.
