A Day in Echternach, The Oldest Town in Luxembourg, Echternach, Luxembourg

Echternach is the oldest city in Luxembourg, full of history and surrounded by beautiful countryside. It is also home to an unusual and ancient dancing procession. So it is not surprising that many tourists, whether arriving from the city of Luxembourg, or from across the border in Germany, should choose to spend a day in Echternach.

Situated in the north of Luxembourg, Echternach can trace its history back to Roman times. Visitors can explore a Roman villa, medieval town walls, and an ancient Benedictine abbey. And there are miles of hiking trails in and around the town.

The town has two UNESCO inscriptions. It is part of a Global Geopark, and the Dancing Procession is recognised as an example of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The presence of a Roman villa shows that the area was inhabited in ancient times. However the main history of the town of Echternach dates back to 698 CE. This was when Saint Willibrord, an Anglo-Saxon missionary, founded a Benedictine abbey here. What you see today is the medieval town, with a large central market square, narrow streets, and old buildings. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).