Athénée of Luxembourg

Founded in 1603 by the Jesuits

The Athénée of Luxembourg, founded in 1603 by the Jesuits, is the oldest secondary school in the Grand Duchy. Located years ago at the site of the present National Library, The "Kolléisch" offered education in the humanities with a focus on classical languages.

Dissolution of the Jesuit Order

With the dissolution of the Jesuit Order in 1773, the Athénée became a public school and opened itself up to the sciences and mathematics. It took its present name in 1817, inspired by the city of Athens and its divine protectress, Athena, Goddess of wisdom.

Athénée is one of nine classical secondary schools

Nowadays, the Athénée is one of nine classical secondary schools in the country. Its 200 teachers continue to communicate to 1300 students – including 200 non-Luxembourg citizens – the values of the humanities, faithful to the motto "Innovation and tradition". To celebrate its 400 years of existence, a full programme of festivities has been planned by the staff and students of the "Kolléisch".
Issue: Luxembourg, 20 May 2003