In the 36th episode of our Minett Mash-Up, we meet Christian Weis at the historic Brill-school in Esch-sur-Alzette. The conversation offers fascinating insights into Esch’s future and the development of the Minett UNESCO Biosphere project. The episode showcases Esch as a city in transition, bridging its industrial past with an innovative future.
Our “Minett-Location” of the month: The Brill-school
This school is a monument to Esch’s educational history. This impressive building, which opened in 1911, symbolizes urban development. With its characteristic Belle Epoque architecture, it is not only the oldest and largest primary school building in Esch but also an important testament to the city’s history.
It is centrally located between the Resistance Museum, the theater, and the Ariston, near Alzette Street in the heart of the Brill district. For generations, children from all social backgrounds were educated here, making the school a symbol of their city for many Esch residents.
Even today, the Brill-school remains a vibrant part of Esch’s education system. The building has been modernized while preserving its historic character. This combination of tradition and innovation makes it the ideal place to discuss the future of Esch and the entire region.
Our guest: Christian Weis
Christian Weis represents a new generation of politicians in southern Luxembourg. As Mayor of Esch and President of the PRO-SUD municipal association, he combines two key roles. His political career began in 2005 with his first candidacy in local elections. In 2016, he joined the city council and was officially elected for the first time in 2017.
As a former alderman and mayor of the country’s second-largest city for the past year and a half, he has a clear vision for Esch. Despite being under 40, he has already made a name for himself at the national level – currently as deputy chairman of the CSV.
Our conversation covered not only his political work but also personal insights: his passion for bakery and confectionery. As President of PRO-SUD, he is also a key figure in developing the UNESCO Minett Biosphere, where the region’s industrial heritage is to be combined with a sustainable future.
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© CNCI & Minett UNESCO Biosphere
Our quiz
When was the ERA swimming pool in Esch closed?
- 1970
- 1995
- 2001
The Vëlodukt is Europe’s longest bicycle bridge connecting Esch with Belval. How long is the bridge?
- 800 m
- 2,2 km
- 1,5 km
The Minett region belongs to UNESCO’s network of biosphere reserves. How many such reserves currently exist worldwide?
- 198
- 421
- 759
Links to the topics of this episode:
- Plan local de mobilité: Local mobility plan of the town of Esch
- Vël’OK: Project that allows you to borrow a bike for free in the municipalities of the Minett Biosphere
- Haus vum Vëlo: Place in Belval dedicated to the bicycle
- Vëlodukt: Bicycle and pedestrian bridge connecting Belval and the city centre of Esch
- Brillschoul: The largest primary school complex in the town of Esch
- Grenzer Kierch: One of the churches in the city of Esch
- Stade de la Frontière: Jeunesse Esch football stadium
- Commission du patrimoine historique et industriel: Body that works to preserve the historical and industrial heritage of the city of Esch
- Metzeschmelz: New neighbourhood to be built on the territory of the municipalities of Esch and Schifflange
- Gaalgebierg: Municipal park of Esch-sur-Alzette
- Escher Déierepark: Animal park of the city of Esch on the Galgenberg, not far from the park
- Francopholies: Large music festival that takes place annually in Esch on the Galgenberg
- ERA: Former open-air swimming pool on the french border
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