St. Willibrord Basilika, Benedictine basilica in Echternach, Luxembourg
St. Willibrord Basilica is a Benedictine church in Echternach that was rebuilt in 1953 following World War II damage and now features a spacious interior with vaulted sections. The structure includes an underground crypt where the saint's relics are housed beneath a marble canopy inside a stone casket.
Saint Willibrord founded the first church here around 700, establishing the site as a monastic center that would endure for centuries. The original building was destroyed during World War II and replaced by the current structure, which continues the spiritual mission of the location.
The basilica serves as the spiritual center for Willibrord devotion, drawing pilgrims who feel connected to the saint's legacy and teachings. The site has become a place where visitors experience the ongoing role of this saint in the lives of local believers.
The basilica is open during daylight hours and allows visitors to explore both the main church space and the underground crypt containing the relics. You can move freely between the upper and lower sections, though the crypt involves stairs, so wear suitable footwear.
The church is famous for the annual Dancing Procession held on Whit Tuesday, where thousands of visitors move through the streets in synchronized movements. This distinctive tradition has been recognized by UNESCO and draws people from across the region.
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