Visiting Mersch, and its twin towered church: conspicuous architecture in a town in central Luxembourg

"So where is this impressive-looking cathedral-like church building?"

It is in Mersch (Létzebuergesch: Miersch), in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and is known as the Michelskirche.

"So why doesn't it feature in more guide-books of Europe?"

Well, good question! Luxembourg is truly an architectural gem and, particularly in its northern Oesling (Létzebuergesch: Éislek) region and its Mosel Valley, topographically and scenically striking, also.

The second photo of the building (below, right) shows how the cupola-topped twin towers of the Michelskirche dominate the skyline of the town. In addition to the twin towers, other features of the building include a four pillared portico, the Neo-Classical pediment of which matches the pediments on each of the twin towers.

The Michelskirche dates from 1838, its neo-Classicism being then what was for Luxembourg a newly favoured style, as historian Gilbert Trausch points out (1), when it was already popular in other countries.

When I visited Mersch, I recall trying the main door of this most conspicuous of landmarks, but it was closed.

Mersch is situated in the canton of the same name, in the district of Luxembourg (Létzebuergesch: Létzebuerg; German: Luxemburg).

September 17, 2013

Note

(1) Gilbert Trausch, Le Luxembourg à l'époque contemporaine, Luxembourg: Editions Bourg-Bourger, 1981, p. 109.

In Mersch itself, visitor attractions include the Maison Servais (1) which houses the National Literature Centre (French: Centre national de littérature; Létzebuergesch: Lëtzebuerger Literaturarchiv; German: Luxemburger Literaturarchiv); Mersch Castle dates from the 13th century. Mersch is the geographical centre of the Grand Duchy; a tall monument commemorates this fact.

Note (1): Named for Emmanuel Servais (1811-1890), a nineteenth-century Prime Minister of Luxembourg and noted writer, who was from Mersch.

Esch-sur-Sûre (distance: 27 kilometres); a ruined castle on a rock overlooks the meandering Sûre River.

In Clervaux (distance: 45 kilometres) there is some striking church architecture, an imposing castle, and associations with the Battle of the Bulge.

...

How to get there: The nearest large international airport to Mersch is Luxembourg (Aéroport de Luxembourg), at Findel, from where car rental is available. The Luxembourg railroad company CFL maintains a regular service to Mersch from Luxembourg City. You are advised to check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information. Some facilities may be withdrawn, without notice. Please refer to appropriate consular sources for any special border crossing arrangements which may apply to citizens of certain nationalities.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.