St. Maria ad ripa

St. Maria ad ripa is a Benedictine monastery in Trier situated along the Moselle River north of the city walls. The remaining structures now function as a youth center called ExHaus, with the original foundations still visible beneath the modern building.

The monastery was founded in 667 and operated as a religious center until Napoleon's forces led to its dissolution and partial demolition in 1802. This transformation marked the end of over 1000 years of religious life at the site.

This was one of four major Benedictine monasteries outside Trier and served as a center for religious education and spiritual guidance in the region. Visitors today can sense how deeply the church shaped the lives of people who lived and worked here.

The center is accessible today as a community youth space and sits close to the Moselle, making it easy to combine a visit with a riverside walk. The location functions primarily as a gathering place with regular activities for different age groups.

An 1808 watercolor by Johann Jakob Lothary shows the monastery's original form before its destruction. This historical sketch offers visitors a glimpse of the architectural style that once stood here.

Location: Rhineland-Palatinate

Inception: 667

GPS coordinates: 49.76970,6.64722

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20