Everyone knows what the Schengen zone and Schengen visas are, but few know where exactly this place is located, where the Schengen Agreement was adopted. We will reveal this secret to you and tell you where this glorious event took place and how it now attracts tourists.
Schengen is a very small village, which is located in the southeast of Luxembourg. Only 400 residents live here. The village gained its popularity after the signing of the Schengen Agreement “On the gradual abolition of checks at common borders” in 1985, and then the Convention in 1990. The history of the village itself is ancient, and it begins around 877. This cozy village is located at the foot of Mount St. Mark, on the left bank of the Moselle River, and is almost on the border of those countries: Germany, France and Luxembourg.
Schengen is engaged in winemaking, so it is better to visit this cozy place in September to try freshly squeezed wine. Locals call the Moselle River the “Wine River” and the road through the village the “Wine Road” or Route du Vin. Schengen is connected to the other side of the river by two bridges: a modern automobile bridge and an older one built in 1959. This old bridge was built on the site of a ferry crossing that had been here since 1451.
Schengen has an ancient castle, which was built in 1390 and was partially destroyed in 1812. All that remains of the castle is a tower, which can be reached via a narrow vintage staircase. But after the destruction, the castle was restored and now serves as a hotel, a seminar room and, of course, as a local landmark.
Another Schengen landmark is a 16th-century church. In the middle of it are frescoes and sculptures by local artists, and in the middle is an ancient organ. A memorial to the fact that the Schengen Agreement was signed here stands in the form of a monument not far from the square, which is also named in honor of this event. You can learn a lot of valuable information about both European integration and Europe in the Koch House. There is a special exhibition for tourists there, where you can learn this information.
Schengen itself is not far from Luxembourg, just 30 minutes by car. You can also get here by water, on a special tourist boat “Princess Maria of Austria”.
