Willibald and Walburga

In short: An English monk and pilgrim of the 8th century. He travelled to the Holy Land, lived at Montecassino and was consecrated first Bishop of Eichstätt by Boniface.

The story of the Altmühltal as a pilgrimage region begins with an English family. In the 8th century the siblings Willibald, Wunibald and Walburga came to the area on behalf of Boniface, together with their relative Sola. The Ecumenical Pilgrim Way follows exactly in the footsteps of these four.

Willibald: an early long-distance pilgrim

Around the year 722 Willibald set out from England for Rome with his father and brother. From there he travelled on to the Holy Land, which makes him one of the earliest known pilgrims from England. The journey took several years. After that he lived for about ten years at Montecassino Abbey.

We know so much about the journey because in old age he dictated it to the nun Hugeburc in Heidenheim. Her text, the Hodoeporicon, is regarded as one of the oldest surviving travel accounts by an English pilgrim.

Pope Gregory III sent Willibald to Boniface, who ordained him priest in 741 and the following year consecrated him first bishop of the new Diocese of Eichstätt. His tomb lies in Eichstätt Cathedral. His feast day is 7 July.

Walburga: abbess in Heidenheim

Wunibald founded a monastery in Heidenheim and was buried there. After his death Walburga took over the leadership of the double monastery. She died in 779. Around 870 her remains came to Eichstätt, where today's abbey was founded in the 11th century.

Where to find their traces today

The Ecumenical Pilgrim Way links their two most important places: Eichstätt and Heidenheim. Between the stops lies Sezzi near Bieswang, a former meeting place of the missionaries. If you want to retrace Willibald's journey in spirit, think of his travel conditions: no hostel with a shower, no maps and a journey lasting several years.