Archaeological Excavations at the Echternach Marketplace – The Rebirth of the “Petite Marquise”

In the heart of Echternach, around the former “Petite Marquise”, archaeologists uncovered significant finds dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Here, the Epternacum is taking shape – a place where history comes alive and the legendary origins of the town become tangible.

During the planning works around the former “Petite Marquise”, archaeologists from the National Institute for Archaeological Research (INRA), together with the municipality of Echternach, discovered an extraordinary archaeological site.

Already in the 10th century, during the time of Count Siegfried, the legendary founder of Luxembourg, a stately stone building stood here. Historical records show that Siegfried served as the last lay abbot of the Echternach Abbey and, as the monastery’s bailiff, remained closely connected to the town. Modern archaeological methods now document the remains of these layers, the oldest of which date back to the time of Saint Willibrord – the Frisian missionary who made Echternach a spiritual centre of Europe.

Over the centuries, the site underwent many transformations: after the devastating fire of 1444, a new district arose here, evolving until the 19th century. Later, the Boulangerie/Patisserie Petite Marquise became a well-known landmark that shaped the town’s character for decades.

Today, the story of this place continues under the name Epternacum – a future cultural space where past and present meet, inviting visitors to experience the origins of Echternach up close.