European Days of Saint James Way in South Limburg
During the first edition of ‘The European Days of Saint James Way”, celebrated on October 19 and 20, the main cultural and pilgrimage centers in the region opened their doors, free of charge, to the public. The objective of this initiative, jointly organized by five member countries of the Federation: the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Spain and France, is to highlight the religious past and the Camino de Santiago throughout Europe.
On October 19, a guided tour was made in the famous Rococo crypt and library of Rolduc Abbey, the largest complex of abbeys in the Benelux and one of the top 100 Dutch UNESCO monuments. The rich history of the abbey dates back more than 900 years!
On October 19 and 20, there were guided tours of the Sanctuary of St. Gerlach, where visitors were able to learn all about the beautiful frescoes in the church, the treasures on display and the beautiful decorations on the walls in the chapel of the day. They were also able to visit the shelter, the pilgrim hostel, and chat to people who have walked or cycled along the Camino de Santiago.
The Basilica of San Amelberga opened for visitors with a procession for pilgrims.
On October 20 the ‘Kloosterfestival’ was held in Wittem, a religious event in the famous library of the abbey. The day was also dedicated to the valuation and auction of religious objects. Wittem Abbey has been a major pilgrimage site for over a hundred years.
