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Historic site · Trier, Renânia-Palatinado
Konstantinbasilika
Former audience hall of Emperor Constantine's palace, from the early 4th century, measuring 67 meters long and 33 meters high. Since 1856 it has been used as a Protestant church.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Konstantinbasilika
The Konstantinbasilika, also called the Aula Palatina, was built around 305–311 as the audience hall of the imperial palace, at a time when Trier was one of the capitals of the Roman Empire. The interior measures 67 meters long, 27.5 meters wide and 33 meters high, in a single column-free space.
The Roman brick walls have survived because the hall was incorporated into the archbishops' palace in the Middle Ages. In the 19th century it was restored and handed over to the Protestant community, and since 1856 it has been used as a Protestant church.
In August 1944, an aerial bombing set the building on fire, leaving only the walls. The reconstruction in the 1950s produced a sober interior with exposed brick. In 2014 a new organ with more than 6,000 pipes was installed on the south wall, and concerts take advantage of the hall's acoustics.
Adjacent to the basilica is the Kurfürstliches Palais, the rococo palace of the prince-electors with its pink façade. In front of it, the Palastgarten, a garden with statues and a reflecting pool, leads on foot to the Kaiserthermen.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes in the basilica and another 20 minutes in the palace garden.
Best time
Outside worship, rehearsal and concert times, when the church may close unexpectedly. The Palastgarten is most pleasant in spring and summer.
How to get there
It's about a 5-minute walk from the Hauptmarkt and the cathedral, on Konstantinplatz.
Tip
Admission is free except for concerts. Combine the visit with the Palastgarten and the Kaiserthermen, which are along the same route.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Konstantinbasilika
Is the Konstantinbasilika a church?
Yes. The former hall of the Roman palace has been used as an evangelical church since 1856.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, there is no entrance fee, except for concerts. The church may close without notice because of services, rehearsals or events.
Is the building entirely Roman?
The brick walls are Roman, from the early 4th century. The interior was rebuilt after the 1944 fire.
What is next to the basilica?
The Kurfürstliches Palais, the Rococo palace of the prince-electors, and the Palastgarten, the garden leading to the Kaiserthermen.