Wasserbillig
Wasserbillig (Luxembourgish: Waasserbëlleg [vaːsɐˈbələɕ] ) is a town in the commune of Mertert, in eastern Luxembourg. As of 2024[update], Wasserbillig has 3,485 inhabitants,[1] which makes it the largest town in Mertert. Wasserbillig is the administrative seat of the commune of Mertert.
Geography
[edit]Wasserbillig lies at the confluence of the rivers Moselle and Sauer, which form the border with Germany at the town. On the opposite side of the Moselle and linked by a car ferry lies Oberbillig, Germany; on the opposite side of the Sauer and linked by vehicle and rail bridges lies Wasserbilligerbrück, Germany.
Wasserbillig is the lowest settlement in Luxembourg, at 132 m (433 ft) above sea level.
History
[edit]Around 100 AD, there was already a town where Wasserbillig is situated which the Roman named Biliacum. This is also where the second part of Wasserbillig's name comes from (-billig from Biliacum). It was mainly a transloading harbour for goods coming down the Sauer or by cart. During the construction of the bridge over the Sauer in 1952, remnants of an old Roman bridge were found.[2]
Prominent citizen
[edit]Prominent citizens of Wasserbillig include Jacques Santer, born in the town in 1937, who served as Luxembourg's Prime Minister and as President of the European Commission.
Transport
[edit]The town's railway station is on the line between Luxemburg City and the German border, connecting east to Trier.
References
[edit]- ^ "Registre national des personnes physiques RNPP : Population par localité". data.public.lu. 2024-01-07.
- ^ "Wasserbillig an der Mosel". www.mosel-reisefuehrer.de.
49°43′N 6°30′E / 49.717°N 6.500°E
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