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History
A legend tells of the origin of the pilgrimage site. Knight Elbert von Clerf (Clairvaux) returns from a crusade in 1270, after a dangerous journey. During his return journey, his ship is shipwrecked on the African coast, and the knight is taken prisoner. He promises Mary to build a chapel for Her on his land in Girsterklaus if he returns home in good health. The next morning, the knight awakens to a miracle, as he finds himself on his estate next to a hazel bush. There, he discovers a statue of Mary. This gives rise to the name of the image, “Our Lady of the Hazel”. He keeps his promise and has the chapel built. This chapel is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
The chapel of Girsterklaus dates from the 14th century and is built on the old foundations of a former chapel. The solid church tower served as a watchtower for soldiers in the Middle Ages. It has been a place of pilgrimage to Mary since 27 February 1329.
In the pilgrimage chapel stands a 13th-century wooden statue of “Our Lady of the Hazel”. The other statues in the chapel date from the 18th century.
In 1910, a Lourdes grotto was built in front of the chapel, by the roadside.
During renovation work in 1978, old coins were found at the church, and the dates on the coins indicated that the church was not built in 1329, but is older.
In 2016, the Mëllerdall Nature and Geopark was established, and in 2022, it was included in the international network of “Unesco Global Geoparks”. Girsterklaus is located within this protected area.
The new statue of Bernadette in the Lourdes grotto was consecrated on 11 February 2023.
It is Luxembourg's oldest place of pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage site
At the roadside by the pilgrimage chapel stands a Lourdes grotto from 1910.
In front of the chapel are old gravestones and crosses. There is also a scattering field for the ashes of the deceased. On the path leading to the pilgrimage church stands a Pietà.
The 13th-century statue of Mary is located in the pilgrimage chapel. Baroque statues from the 18th century have also been placed in this prayer room.
The chapel displays colourful frescoes.
The chapel is the oldest Marian pilgrimage site in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
ACCESSIBILITY
Girsterklaus is located to the east of Echternach, close to the German border. The pilgrimage site is situated in the Mëerthal/Mëllerdall region, which is referred to as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland.
The address of the pilgrimage site is Girsterklaus 7, L-6560 Girsterklaus, Rosport-Mompach.
Current information can be found at www.mullerthal.lu.
Experience
After visiting the capital of the Grand Duchy “Luxembourg”, I will head in the direction of Echternach. Once this old town is behind me, it's still a short drive towards Germany. Slightly before the German border, near the river Sûre, lies the hamlet of Girsterklaus on a hill. Here I will visit Luxembourg's oldest pilgrimage site.
On a corner stands the chapel, with a Lourdes grotto in front of it, by the road. An iron fence protects the grotto and statues. This Lourdes grotto is considerably overgrown, making the image of Mary all the more striking. After I have opened the gate and approach the grotto, the statues of the standing Mary and kneeling Bernadette Soubirous are clearly visible.
After visiting the Grotto of Lourdes, the path leading up to the chapel is just a few metres further on. Here, I see a small chapel with Mary and her deceased Son. This old Pietà makes the entrance to the pilgrimage church even more special for me. I walk along a small road with ancient stones and arrive at the chapel, which seems to invite me closer. Around the building are many gravestones, and by the looks of it, they've been here for many decades. Here, the deceased rest in a monumental setting. That is certainly not for everyone.
In the chapel, I feel the warmth of many centuries. What a wonderful experience I am able to have here. A few steps further, I come close to the devotional image of Our Lady of the Hazel. Then I fall into prayer and look at Mary. I also thank Her for my journey to this special place.
In the pilgrimage chapel, there are beautiful statues. The coronation of Mary is also depicted through loving art. Finally, I will light a few candles with intentions for dear friends who could do with some protection from Our Lady.
Environment
In the immediate vicinity of Girsterklaus, numerous walks can be taken, and waterfalls and rock formations can be visited, among other things.
Echternach is 10 km from Girsterklaus. It is Luxembourg's oldest town with a Roman Villa and Abbey Museum. Echternach is also known for the Echternach Jumping Procession.
To get to Girsterklaus from Luxembourg City, go 47 km to the northeast.
From the tourist town of Vianden, it's 37 km south-east to reach Girsterklaus.
Starting from the town of Wiltz, it is 97 km to travel to the southeast to reach Girsterklaus.
Posted: 13 November 2024
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