HERITAGE AND TOURISM
Basilica Saint-Willibrord
Parvis de la Basilique
L-6486 Echternach
Basilica | XI-XX | Romanesque | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 January - 31 December
Mon 9.00 - 18.00
Tue 9.00 - 18.00
Wed 9.00 - 18.00
Thu 9.00 - 18.00
Fri 9.00 - 18.00
Sat 9.00 - 18.00
Sun 9.00 - 18.00
Description
The first church on this spot was constructed around 698, when Abbess Irmina of Oeren (Trier) made a gift of her properties in Echternach to Archbishop Willibrord, the founder of the monastery, Upon his death in 739, Willibrord was buried in the chancel of the sanctuary. A new more spacious building was raised around 800, of which the crypt survives. The reconstruction from 1016 to 1031 created the Abbey Church much as it exists today. The addition of Gothic vaulting in the 13th century profoundly transformed the original Romanesque interior. In the 17th century, several side chapels were added. After its desecration by French Revolutionary troops, the church was re-consecrated in 1868. The destruction of 1944 required lengthy reconstruction work that was only completed in 1953.
Learn more about the history of this memorable building and the abbey's founder, Willibrord. https://basilika.lu/en/
Photos
Media
Remarkable elements
Stained glass windows
The windows were created after World War II. Those in the nave, the work of Jacques Le Chevallier, depict in the middle Saint Willibrord in prayer before the Trinity.
Tomb of Saint Willibrord
Under this altar, in the crypt, is the reliquary shrine of Saint Willibrord. His remains rest inside a sarcophagus from the 8th century.
Choir stalls
The choir stalls for the singing of the monastic liturgy were made in 1912 by Théophile Klem of Colmar in Alsace. They are notable for theirintricate carvings.
Painting of Saint Willibrord
A work of Antoine Stevens, painted in 1604. Above to the left is a portrayal of the dancing procession.
Confessionals
The confessionals were made at the beginning of the 17th century for the former Jesuit Church, the present Cathedral in Luxembourg.
Statues
The two baroque sculptures on both sides of the nave depict Saint Benedict and Saint Willibrord. They originate from an earlier high altar of the Abbey Church.
