Romfilatelia, the company specialized in editing and trading Romanian postage stamps, introduces into circulation the Joint stamp issue Romania-Luxembourg: Luxemburg House in Sibiu.
During the reunion of the ministers of culture of the member states of the European Union that took place in the month of May, 2004, the Council of Ministers has designated the cities of Luxembourg and Sibiu to become European Capitals of Culture for the year 2007.
The first time around, Luxembourg was named “European Cultural Capital” in 1995. In the year 2007, the concept of “European Cultural Capital” involves a cross-border even, its area being extended, starting from Luxemburg, over a region comprised of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as well as other areas from France, Germany and Belgium, all of them bearing the name of “The Great Region”. This concept instates on the Cultural Capital of 2007 a special significance, namely the furtherance of mobility and intercommunity, the crossing of borders under all aspects: physically, psychologically and artistically.
The relations between Romania and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg have been established on the 5th of December, 1910, and on an embassy level, they have started on the 12th of November, 1966. Luxembourg has paid a lot of heed to Sibiu, especially due to the fact that in the 12th century, the first groups of Saxon colonists have settled here, coming from the area of the Moselle river, located today on the territory of Luxembourg. As a matter of fact, the Saxon idiom spoken in Sibiu is not unlike the Luxembourgish language.
The first documentary reference of Sibiu dates back to 1191.
On the occasion of the visit of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg in Romania, in March, 2004, the inauguration of the Luxembourg House (former Schaser House) took place in Sibiu. The building that harbours the Luxembourg House has been built on the first fortified premises of the “Villa Hermani” settling, which later became Hermannstadt – today’s Sibiu. Initially achieved in gothic style (15th century), the Luxembourg House was transformed during the Renaissance, with the pillar decorated facade and the rich, baroque window decorations both originating in that age.
Between 1999 and 2003, Luxembourg National Sites and Monuments Service has financed and coordinated the works for reconditioning the building. Today, the Luxembourg House serves as cultural, touristic, information and documentation centre.
The image of the Luxembourg House appears on the postage stamp of the issue and on the perforated souvenir sheet.
The issue is completed by 1 maxicard.
