Trier - Cathedral of Trier

Founded by the Romans around 30 BC as "Augusta Treverorum", Trier claims (just like Xanten, Cologne, Worms, Speyer...) to be the oldest existing German city.

Trier, the center of a diocese already within the 3rd century, was destroyed by the Alemanni (275), rebuilt under Constantine the Great, who resided in "Augusta Treverorum". Under his the reign Maximin of Trier (329–346), the fifth Bishop here, started the construction of an giant ecclesial ensemble with four basilicas and a baptisterium. This was done on the foundations of a Roman settlement - and had a floorplan about 4 times larger than the Cathedral of today.

The buildings, ruined by the Franks, got rebuilt and destroyed again by the Vikings (Normans) in 882. In 977 Emperor Otto II installed his senior official Egbert of Trier as Bishop, what did not prevent Egbert from supporting Otto´s rival Henry II (Henry the Wrangler) for some time. Egbert started a building process, that reused lots of the ruined structures. The result can be seen today. The western apse was consecrated in 1224, but the building continued over the centuries.

Constantine´s mother Helena lived in Trier for quite some time. Saint Ambros of Milan, born in Trier, wrote that Saint Helena travelled to Jerusalem at the age of 76. There she not only discovered the Holy Sepulchre and Golgotha but returned loaded with relics. She brought to Trier the relics of the Apostle Matthias (now in St. Matthias) - and the "Holy Robe". The "Holy Robe" (aka "Heiliger Rock") was first mentioned to be here in 1198, what may have ended a rivalry between the Cathedral in Trier and the Abbey in Pruem (60kms north), as Pepin the Short had given "Jesus´Sandals" to the abbey in 752.

I have been in Trier a couple of times meanwhile, so I will upload photos taken on different times, temperatures, lights and weathers.

The eastern choir, now more detailled. Two Baroque staircases run up to what looks like the main altar. This structure has a small (closed) door. This entrance leads to a round chamber, where the "Holy Robe" is kept in a huge reliquary. During one of my visits this door was open. as the "Heilige Rock Tage" had started..