It is dedicated to Saint Wendelin, who lived as a monk and hermit near the town in the 6th century. Shortly after his death, he was first venerated as a local saint, and later the veneration of Wendelin spread throughout the German-speaking world. Emigrants made Saint Wendelin, with his many miracles, known in south-eastern Europe as well as in North and South America. The basilica was built during the heyday of Wendelin pilgrimages in the 14th century. The choir was consecrated in 1360; the tower was completed around 1400; and the nave in about 1450. In the anniversary year of 1960, the church was raised to the level of a minor basilica. A raised sarcophagus behind the neo-Gothic altarpiece contains the almost completely preserved remains of Saint Wendelin. Inside, there are many special art treasures to be admired. The magnificent tomb is used on special occasions as a display table for the installation of the Wendelslade. It is decorated and adorned with figures of the apostles.
In 1980/81, the tomb and pilgrimage church were thoroughly restored. The ceiling paintings, which cover the entire nave, were also restored. The impressive and elaborate paintings of coats of arms show, among others, the coat of arms of Nicholas of Cues and illustrate his view of the political-legal situation prevailing at the time. The ceiling fresco is therefore considered a unique treasure and his political-theological testament. Nicholas of Cues was a Pfründner, a person who lived in an alms-house, in the middle of the 15th century and held an ecclesiastical office in St Wendel. The present parish maintains the annual pilgrimage tradition and invites visitors to admire the beauty of the basilica with all its peculiarities during the rest of the year. It remains the symbol of the town and a spiritual place of worship.
