Echternach's Revitalised Park Unveiled

On Thursday 1 August 2024, Luxembourg's Minister for Culture, Eric Thill, and the Mayor of Echternach, Carole Hartmann, presented the transformations that have taken place to the historic Echternach Park.

Ironically, given that the major catalyst for the works was the catastrophic flooding of 15 July 2021 that completely immersed the park (and much of the municipality), the presentation took place during some seriously inclement weather which ultimately curtailed the planned full tour. The park itself was declared a national heritage site in 1965, thus the project was planned and executed jointly by the State, the Town of Echternach and the Institut National pour la Patrimonie Architectural (INPA).

Under the shelter of the newly restored Rococo Pavilion, Minister Thill explained that the guiding foundation of the work was based on the five pillars of Science, History, Ecology, Biodiversity and Durability. This is the first project to have been undertaken combining these five criteria but is not expected to be the last.

Mayor Hartmann talked about the challenges along the way and thanked all involved parties for their willingness to see it through. She also emphasised the status of Echternach as Luxembourg’s oldest town, and underlined that there are many cultural and historic reasons beyond the park itself for visiting her town.

Temporary lighting has been installed along the riverside and a number of panels erected to inform and guide visitors, whether tourists or residents. As well as restoration of buildings and fountains, significant replanting has already taken place and will further be enhanced in 2025.

(L-R: Eric Thill, Minister for Culture; Carole Hartmann, Mayor of Echternach)