Welschbillig

Die Ortsgemeinde Welschbillig besteht aus den Ortsteilen Träg, Hofweiler, Möhn, Ittel und Welschbillig

Welschbillig is renowned far beyond the region for its rich Roman and medieval heritage. During the Roman era, the emperors residing in Trier chose Welschbillig as their summer residence. Within the grounds of a former Roman villa, they created an ornamental and boating pond surrounded by 112 herms (stone pillars topped with sculpted heads).

Most of these herm heads have been recovered and are now on display at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier. Discovered during the construction of the present-day parish church, this remarkable complex is considered unique north of the Alps.

In the 12th century, the Archbishops-Electors of Trier built a moated castle on the site, featuring four large corner towers and a moat between 10 and 20 metres wide. Following the castle's destruction around 1673, only the remains of the north-west tower and the gatehouse with its two round towers and stone bridge across the moat have survived. Parts of the original 1.5-kilometre town wall are still visible today.

The castle grounds are now home to the parish church and the former administrative building, creating a unique and picturesque setting for both civil and church wedding ceremonies.

In 1291, Emperor Rudolf I of Habsburg granted Welschbillig town privileges. For centuries, the town served as the administrative and commercial centre for the surrounding villages. Today, Welschbillig continues to fulfil this role with its small shopping centre and local services. It is also home to the architecturally acclaimed Kultur- und Marktscheune (Culture and Market Barn), a popular regional venue for cultural events, markets and community gatherings.

Sights

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