Trier Cathedral

Trier Cathedral complex (includes Cathedral and Church of our Lady) originates from 4 century. These two adjacent buildings were constructed in 326 during the reign of imperator Constantine the Great. Of course during the centuries of existence both buildings were under the constant modification and improvement.

According to the legend Trier Cathedral was built on the site of former palace of St. Helene (mother of a Constantine).

In the period of Roman Imperia collapse Franks burned the Cathedral what caused some level of church demolition.

Trier Cathedral

In the 6 century under the rule of bishop Nicetius Trier Cathedral was rebuilt but few centuries after, it was destroyed again during Normans attack to the city.

Next time the reconstruction of Trier Cathedral was started in 977 year and thereafter it continued until 12 century.

The altar of Trier Cathedral was consecrated on May 1, 1196, and since then the Cathedral Consecration feast has been celebrated of May 1 every year.

Church of our Lady

Another significant part of Cathedral chapel for the tunic of Christ was built at the beginning of the 18 century. After that a lot of renovation projects were conducted to support Cathedral in good conditions but they did not chage the view and design of the Cathedral.

The most important relic of the Cathedral is the Holy Tunic. This relic stored in the special chapel which is called Heiltumskammer. According to the legend St. Helena discovered this tunic in 4 century during her trip to the Jerusalem and brought it to the Trier.

During centuries this relic was hidden from the eyes. Even more. In 1196 year tunic was walled up before the Cathedral Altar consecration. It’s very hard to explain why and only one explanation I have is that in those turbulent times the church’s authorities were anxious about the safety of the relic.

First time tunic was presented in 1512 by the order of the imperator Maximilain. Last time it was displayed for visitors in the 1996 when in the center of the Cathedral was put glass shrine with the relic inside.

When you visit Trier Cathedral don’t forget to visit Cathedral’s treasury where hold a lot of relics. The treasury’s collection was formed during the centuries and contains a lot of masterpieces which were made mostly by the German masters.

Trier Cathedral

Interior

Initially the cathedral’s interior was very gloomy. This corresponded to the external view of Cathedral in the Middle Ages but in the 18 century was decided to adorn the interior in style of baroque. Current organ in the interior was set in the 1974.