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Cathedral · Trier, Renânia-Palatinado
Trierer Dom
Catedral de São Pedro, with a Roman core from the 4th century, considered the oldest church in Germany still in use. It houses the Túnica Sagrada, a relic rarely displayed, and a treasury of sacred art.
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 Trierer Dom
The Trierer Dom, cathedral of São Pedro, was built on top of a complex of churches from the time of Emperor Constantine, in the early 4th century. Parts of the Roman structure remain in the walls, and for that reason the cathedral is considered the oldest church in Germany still in use.
The west façade, Romanesque, with four towers and an extra apse, became a model for other churches in the region. Inside, the cathedral mixes periods: Gothic vaults, Baroque chapels and altars, and tombs of archbishops who were also prince-electors of the Holy Roman Empire.
In a chapel behind the high altar is the Túnica Sagrada (Heiliger Rock), which tradition says is the garment Jesus wore before the crucifixion. The relic is kept under guard and is only displayed on rare occasions. The cathedral's treasury houses pieces such as the Egbert reliquary and other medieval goldsmithing objects.
A Gothic cloister links the cathedral to the Liebfrauenkirche next door. Excavations have shown that both churches sit on foundations of Roman buildings, and both are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
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 45 minutes for the cathedral; 1h30 with the treasury and the cloister.
Best time
Mid-morning or afternoon, outside Mass times when visitation is suspended. The cathedral opens early every day, with longer hours from April to October.
How to get there
It's a 2-minute walk from the Hauptmarkt via Sternstraße, and about 10 minutes from the Porta Nigra.
Tip
Discreet clothing and silence, as the cathedral is used for daily worship. There are guided visits to the ceiling and the excavations on certain days: inquire at the cathedral information center on Liebfrauenstraße.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Trierer Dom
Why is Trier cathedral so old?
It was built over early 4th-century churches from the time of Constantine and retains Roman parts in its walls. It is considered the oldest church in Germany still in use.
Can you see the Holy Tunic?
The relic is kept in a chapel and is only displayed on rare occasions, announced in advance by the diocese.
Can you visit during Mass?
No. Tourist visiting is suspended during services.
Are the cathedral and the Liebfrauenkirche next to each other?
Yes, side by side, linked by a Gothic cloister.