Echternach is the oldest city in Luxembourg. We checked out the Basilica of Saint Willibrord and we ate lunch at a local restaurant. There is also a lake here that has a 1.5 mile walking path around it as well, I plan checking that out when the weather is a bit warmer. It’s about 40 mins from Spangdahlem so makes for an easy day trip.
This church has had quite the time staying standing and is the 5th one built on this site! It was originally built in the year 698. In the year 800 it was deemed to small and a larger one was built. It was destroyed by a fire in 1016 and rebuilt in 1031. Over the years it was plundered and desecrate and sold off at auction, 1868 it was restored. Then in 1944 it was blown up by German troops and it was reconstructed in 1953. A lot of history has happened on this one plot of land!
There are several sets of great stained glass windows in the church as well as the ones around the organ.
Most of the signs were in German only but if you go to the left in a little room is a small gift shop and they have multi language phamplets that give some history about the church.
A small crypt area as well.
Near the gift shop area is also a small room that has some statues and artifacts that I think they had recovered from some of the previous churches on the site before this final reconstruction.
Just next to the church on the left hand side in a building is the Tourist Information office, they do close for lunch so know the hours if you plan to go.
There is also a museum that you can access outside to the left of the church entrance, we got there just as it was closing so we did not get to check it out.
The walkplatz also has several fountains as well.
If you are in Echternach is a neat place to visit for some unusual history. It’s near the walkplatz with the shoes and restaurants as well. It is free to tour the church so it’s worth a visit. If your headed that way in nice weather go check out the lake area as well.
Know Before You Go
What: Basilica of St. Willibrord in Echternach, Luxembourg.
How To Get There: It’s about 40 mins from Spangdahlem, and 1 hour 20 mins from Ramstein. GPS address: We just used city center for Echternach and parked near the walkplatz. The tourist information office is next to the Bascilica as well.
Parking: Is where you can find it around the walkplatz and you’ll need to get a ticket from the parking meter to leave in your window.
Cost: Free entry into the Basilica. There is also a museum which does charge a fee €3 adults, €1,50 kids.
How long: Plan on at least 15-30 mins, more if the museum is open as well and you’d like to check it out.
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