St. Matthias' Abbey

St. Matthias' Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Trier featuring a Romanesque basilica with square pillars and rounded arches throughout its interior. The western section displays a tower adorned with blind arcades, while beneath the church lies a crypt containing medieval religious artifacts.

The monastery began in the 5th century when Cyrillus of Trier built an oratory and established a monastic rule for residents. Over the Middle Ages the community grew into a significant religious establishment that shaped the region's spiritual life for centuries.

Pilgrims visit the abbey to venerate the tomb of Saint Matthias, positioned prominently in the nave where it remains a focal point of devotion. The site draws visitors from across Europe who come to experience this important pilgrimage destination.

The abbey is open daily for visitors to explore the basilica, crypt, and medieval collections at their own pace or with guided assistance. Plan to spend time wandering through the church interior and descending into the crypt where older artifacts and artistic pieces are displayed.

The abbey contains the only burial site of an apostle anywhere in Germany and throughout the entire region north of the Alps. This exceptional feature has drawn religious seekers and history enthusiasts from around the world for many centuries.

Location: Trier

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Website: https://abteistmatthias.de

GPS coordinates: 49.73797,6.63149

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:32