Liebfrauenkirche, Trier

The Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Dear Lady) is a 13th-century parish church in Trier, separated from Trier cathedral by a narrow passageway. Built in the Gothic style, it makes an attractive foil to its older Romanesque neighbor.

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History of the Liebfrauenkirche

The Liebfrauenkirche was constructed over the southern section of the Roman double church by Archbishop Theoderich von Wied. Completed in 1260, it was one of the first Gothic churches in Germany (its only competitor for the title is the Elisabethkirche in Marburg).

In 1951, the Pope designated the church a Minor Basilica, and in 1986 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What to See at the Liebfrauenkirche

The Liebfrauenkirche is in the shape of a Greek cross, creating a circular effect with all points equidistant from the central high altar. The structure is supported by 12 circular columns, rather than the typical open buttresses.

The floor plan resembles a twelve-petaled rose, a symbol of the Virgin Mary, the rosa mystica, as well as the twelve tribes of Israel and the Twelve Apostles. The apostles and the twelve articles of the Apostle's Creed are painted on the twelve supporting columns, completely visible only from one spot, marked by a black stone. The intriguing optics are matched by splendid acoustics.

The interior is bathed in sunlight, which streams through the high windows. Although its restoration after the war changed some of the effect of the central construction, it's still unique among German churches. The church contains several important tombs, including that of a local nobleman, Karl von Metternich (1636), in the northeast chapel.

Behind the church are lovely cloisters with sculptures and tombs.

Quick Facts on the Liebfrauenkirche

Site Information
Names:Church of Our Lady · Liebfrauenkirche
Categories:churches; World Heritage Sites
Faiths:Catholicism
Styles:Gothic
Dedication: Virgin Mary
Dates:1260
Status: active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:49.755857° N, 6.643263° E
Address:Liebfrauenstraße 2
Trier, Germany
54290
Phone:0651/75-801
Hours:Mar-Oct daily 6:30am-noon and 2-6pm;
Nov-Feb daily 6:30am-5:30pm
Lodging:View hotels near the Liebfrauenkirche
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. Personal visits (exterior only; December 2005 and January 2008).
  2. "Trier Attractions." Frommer's Germany 2006 (Dec. 2005)
  3. Liebfrauenkirche (Trier) - German Wikipedia
  4. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Germany (2003), 326.
  5. Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St. Peter and Church of Our Lady - UNESCO World Heritage

More Information

© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes
© Holly Hayes

Map of the Liebfrauenkirche, Trier

Below is a location map and aerial view of the Liebfrauenkirche. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.