A mermaid on the banks of L’Alzette? A surprise for visitors of Luxembourg-Ville. No need to go to Copenhagen to meet your mermaid. At the foot of Le Bock, Melusina, by artist Serge Ecker, celebrated the city’s 1050th anniversary in 2015. Like a piece of origami all in mauve-rose, Melusina appeals for her tranquil beauty. But why is she here? According to legend, Count Sigefroi was strolling one day along the river when he met a beautiful princess, the nymph of L’Alzette, who, under the name of Melusine, accounted for the valley’s charm. Sigefroi offered his heart and crown to the young lady, who accepted on condition that every Saturday she could stay alone in her bedroom, far from prying eyes. Sigefroi agreed and for many long years they lived happily and had lots of children. But one Saturday, Sigefroid heard noises in Melusina’s room and, overcome with jealousy, looked through the keyhole. He saw his wife splashing around naked in a large bath, her body ending in a fish tail. Betrayed by her husband, her secret unveiled, Melusina threw herself from the window of the castle on the promontory of Le Bock, and disappeared in the river. She has since been shut away in the rock, only reappearing every seven years.