Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), Trier (must see)
The Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche) in Trier is a remarkable example of French High Gothic architecture outside of France. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Roman Monuments, Cathedral of Saint Peter, and Church of Our Lady in Trier World Heritage Site, this church stands next to the Trier Cathedral, sharing a wall and cloister with it. Originally, a Roman double church occupied this site, initiated by a large endowment from Roman Emperor Constantine in 326 AD. By the early 13th century, the southern part had fallen into disrepair, prompting Archbishop Theoderich von Wied to commission French builders from Champagne to reconstruct it. Construction likely began in 1230, and the church was completed around 1260.
The Church of Our Lady鈥檚 design is unique, featuring a cruciform floor plan shaped like a rose, symbolizing the Virgin Mary as the Rosa Mystica. This rose design includes twelve "petals," representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the Twelve Apostles. Supporting columns are decorated with paintings of the apostles and the articles of the Apostles' Creed, which can only be fully appreciated from a spot marked by a golden star.
Historically, the church has undergone significant transformations. In 1492, a peak known for its impressive craftsmanship crowned the central tower but was destroyed in a 1631 storm. Later, the roof was replaced in 1945 and again, with a steeper version, in 2003. Designated a minor basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1951, this church holds a deep architectural and spiritual significance. Today, it stands as a Gothic masterpiece with ancient roots, supported by Roman column foundations beneath the structure.
The Church of Our Lady鈥檚 design is unique, featuring a cruciform floor plan shaped like a rose, symbolizing the Virgin Mary as the Rosa Mystica. This rose design includes twelve "petals," representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the Twelve Apostles. Supporting columns are decorated with paintings of the apostles and the articles of the Apostles' Creed, which can only be fully appreciated from a spot marked by a golden star.
Historically, the church has undergone significant transformations. In 1492, a peak known for its impressive craftsmanship crowned the central tower but was destroyed in a 1631 storm. Later, the roof was replaced in 1945 and again, with a steeper version, in 2003. Designated a minor basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1951, this church holds a deep architectural and spiritual significance. Today, it stands as a Gothic masterpiece with ancient roots, supported by Roman column foundations beneath the structure.
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Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) on Map
Sight Name: Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
Sight Location: Trier, Germany (See walking tours in Trier)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Trier, Germany (See walking tours in Trier)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Trier, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Trier
Creating your own self-guided walk in Trier is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Trier Introduction Walking Tour
Trier is Germany鈥檚 oldest city and features beautiful Roman ruins, impressive medieval architecture, stunning churches, and fascinating museums.
While an inscription on the famous Red House states that the city was founded 1300 years before the Romans arrived, this has never been proven. The Celtics originally founded Trier during the fourth century BC. The Romans arrived in the first century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
While an inscription on the famous Red House states that the city was founded 1300 years before the Romans arrived, this has never been proven. The Celtics originally founded Trier during the fourth century BC. The Romans arrived in the first century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Trier's Roman Ruins Walking Tour
Nowadays it sounds a bit weird that a small German town of Trier, some 20-minute drive from the Luxembourg border, was once the capital of the mighty Western Roman Empire. Still, "the second Rome", as the emperor Diocletian used to call it, today fully lives up to its former status.
Founded in 15 BC by the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus, this oldest city in Germany is a home to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Founded in 15 BC by the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus, this oldest city in Germany is a home to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
In The Footsteps of Karl Marx
Apart from being a home to the largest number of Roman ruins outside Rome, Trier is also extremely popular with international tourists, especially those from China, as the hometown of Karl Marx.
Here, the father of socialism and one of the most important philosophers of the 19th century, who, as an adult, managed to change the course of the world's history, had spent the first 17 years of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Here, the father of socialism and one of the most important philosophers of the 19th century, who, as an adult, managed to change the course of the world's history, had spent the first 17 years of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles