The annual Dancing Procession in Echternach honors St. Willibrord, who brought Christianity to the region during the 7th century. Each Whituesday, the bishop of Luxembourg leads hundreds of citizens and pilgrims, dancing slowly to a medieval tune, from the banks of the Sére to the basilica housing Willibrord’s remains. The 1998 procession also marked Echternach’s 1500th anniversary.
Excursions from the capital are available to the Ardennes; through the scenic Valley of the Seven Castles and to the Moselle wine region. Vianden dates to the 9th century. Its castle was the cradle of the Orange-Nassau dynasties. Also worthy of a look is the restored Gothic Trinitarian Church and cloister which dates back to 1248. The house where Victor Hugo stayed during part of his exile from France is now a museum. Close to the French border, Mondorf-les-Bains offers a thermal spa, fitness and sports center and a casino.
Clervaux Castle, in the heart of the Ardennes, is the permanent home of the restored "Family of Man" photography exhibition which consists of 503 photos by 273 artists from 68 countries. The castle’s collection also includes several models of Luxembourg fortresses of the Middle Ages.
