Eschfeld brings together different aspects of local history: the Bunker Wall Stations of the Cross, created from a former bunker in the Westwall, and the artistic furnishings of the parish church of St. Lucia. This allows you to shape your cultural stay in different ways—focusing on the history of the Stations of the Cross, or on paintings, grave crosses and church art.
The Bunker Wall Stations of the Cross
The Bunker Wall Stations of the Cross consists of 15 stations and was created from a former bunker in the Westwall. The combination of the Stations of the Cross and the former bunker complex defines this site: its history can be understood not only through its religious use, but also through its origins. The Stations of the Cross were consecrated on Palm Sunday, April 12, 1992—a precisely dated point of reference in their recent history.
Prayer services are regularly held at the Stations of the Cross for members of the parish in the pastoral unit. Many visitors from near and far spend some time there. Those interested in the religious significance of the site can gain an impression not only of its 15 stations, but also of its use by the community and its importance to visitors.
St. Lucia: Paintings, Grave Crosses and Church Art
The parish church of St. Lucia is listed in the Informational Register of Cultural Monuments in the Eifelkreis Bitburg-PrĂĽm (June 2022). Around 15 slate grave crosses from the 19th century stand in the churchyard. An allegedly early Romanesque baptismal font is also located there; this traditional attribution is therefore not a confirmed date.
More than 1,000 people and animals are depicted inside the church. The wall paintings were created by the painter-priest and pastor Christoph März between 1906 and 1921. A monstrance from the 18th century contains relics of the other patron saints Margaret, Stephen, Ulrich and Rochus. Together, these details show different aspects of the church’s furnishings: extensive paintings, a liturgical work of art and the grave crosses in the churchyard.
Guided tours of the parish church are available by prior arrangement. Current availability should be confirmed again before travelling. This is particularly useful if a tour is to be a fixed part of your itinerary.
The Pastor März Memorial
Another work of art in Eschfeld is the Pastor März Memorial on the church square. The sandstone sculpture was made by sculptor and artist Peter Weiland from Irrhausen. It depicts the painter-priest with a brush and palette; the plinth bears artistically designed inscriptions. The memorial was inaugurated on June 9, 2019. While Christoph März’s wall paintings define the interior of St. Lucia, the sculpture portrays the painter-priest as a figure.
More Places of Interest in Eifelkreis Bitburg-PrĂĽm
The wider destination of Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm also offers other cultural and scientific highlights. The Mühlenberger Stollen Bleialf Visitor Mine includes a mining trail with numerous information panels on the area’s mining history. One-hour tours through the mine explain ore extraction in Bleialf, from geology to applied technology; check seasonal opening information before your visit. The Devonium in Waxweiler presents complex concepts in palaeontology and the science of fossil life in a playful way. The Westwall Museum offers a different perspective on history: it is housed on three accessible levels of a bunker and features a military history exhibition in underground passages and rooms. Each of these attractions offers a distinct thematic focus within Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm.
Discover more destinations: Lichtenborn, GroĂźkampenberg, Lauperath, Herzfeld, Kinzenburg, Preischeid, Hargarten, Harspelt
View the wider travel overview: Arzfeld.
