Liebfrauenkirche, Trier– a classical visit in time
There were the good old days when life was simple and artistic with days devoted to His Holy Highness. The man has always taken a keen fascination in building marvelous architectural pieces. Whether it be our daily homes, worshipping places, forts or any other buildings. One of such specimen is the Liebfrauenkirche in Trier. The French Gothic Cathedral with its vast beauty is one the earliest Churches in Germany. Besides, its beauty lies in the essence of the presence of the Almighty. Along with it lies the Cathedral of Magdeburg.
It is well established right next to the Trier Dom which is the oldest Cathedral in Germany. The ‘Liebfrauenkirche’ is also known as “Church of Our Lady” when the phrase is translated to English. Cathedral of St. Peter and the Church of Our Lady are the Roman Monuments that have been a part of the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1986.
Location
The Church of Our Lady is located in Trier, a city in Germany. The city was previously known as Treves in English and is situated on the banks of river Moselle. It lies in the southwest Germany not far away from Luxembourg border. The church is just 11-minute walk away from Trier. The city is an evidence of the large Roman Empire that flourished in the early era.
Climate
This area in Germany experiences warm and temperate climate. It pours in the city even during the driest of months. To make the best out your trip, you must avoid excess rainfall which happens during November. July and August have the best average temperature for a trip to the city. January is the coolest month while April is the driest.
History
No definite proof has been found as to when was the church built. However, a painted inscription in the church notes that the construction of that church started in 1227 and ended in 1243. Today, it is considered that the church was built in 1230 by Archbishop of Trier Theodoric II. He was also known as Dietrich von Wied or Theoderich von Wied.
The building was previously a double Roman Church. The southern part of it was broken down in 1200. Later on, the building was completely replaced with a new one which was the Early Gothic Church of Our Lady.
The building is said to have been completed by the end of 1260. A high peak was built on the central tower. This high built tower was one of the finest specimens of the craftsmanship. However, the peak was destroyed during a storm in Heimsuchungstag (July 2) in 1631. It was replaced with a hipped roof, which did not last long as it was demolished during the World War II. Again, a roof was built in 1945 and again improvised in 2003.
On July 30, 1951, the Pope identified the church as a Minor Basilica. Only a pope can designate a church with such a title through the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Cathedral of St. Peter and the Church of Our Lady are the Roman Monuments that were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1986.
The Cathedral
The authentic aura of the church will leave you transfixed. The large windows with stainless glasses that allow the sun rays to fall into the church add to the beauty. Bright sunlight pouring through the windows lighten the atmosphere and make it more peaceful. The atmosphere of the church is calm and perfectly suitable to devote to the Almighty.
The exterior of the church creates an old and ancient picture of the church with wide windows and large gates decorated with intricate drawings. However, the inside of the Church is pretty modern. The ceilings are enhanced with delicate hand painted floral patterns. Also, the walls are glamorized with paintings that are gold leafed.
Its architectural style is Gothic. The Dom adjacent to the Church of Our Lady is linked with a short corridor which makes it easy to visit both Churches. The Dom is mainly populated, but Liebfrauenkirche is worth a visit too.
Towards the right, there’s a pyramidal window called “Fenter der Geschichte” which in literal translation means the “window of history.” You can easily expect to see the ground layers which date back to 4th century. The detailed stonework in the Church never ceases to fascinate one.
The Liebfrauenkirche has a peculiar shape of a Greek-Cross. The central high altar is equidistant from all the points thus, creating a spherical effect. The building is supported by 12 circular pillars and not the usual buttresses. The floor is designed as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. It is in the shape of a twelve-petaled rose, which also signifies the ‘rosamystica’ and the twelve tribes of Israel and The Twelve Apostles.
Even though the war altered the ambiance of the Church, it still maintains its peculiarity in Germany. In it, reside some important tombs, such as that of a local nobleman, Karl von Metternich.
Traveling in the city
The city of Trier witnesses many architectural monuments that have their names registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The art and culture preserved here allow the people to have a glimpse of the era that used to exist.
The famous amphitheater Porta Nigra, remnants of St. Barbara Roman Baths from the 2nd century, the old Roman Bridge which is still part of the city’s main road and many other sites all make up the city’s extensive classical heritage. Architectural monuments in the likes of Cathedral of St. Peter and The Liebfrauenkirche are the city’s pride.
The delights of the city do not end with sight-seeing only. The peculiar taste in the food found here is to leave your taste buds wanting for more. Excellent dining restaurants and fine cafes can be spotted throughout the city. Unforgettable dining experiences with the appetizing flavors of wine from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer give you insatiable hunger pangs.
Every year, a month-long celebration called ‘MoselleWeinKulturZeit’ is marked with the consumption of finest wine, gourmet, and various cultural events. The event is a huge success, and it is a great time to visit the city.
Other historical sites to visit in the city include the RheinischesLandesmuseum, a German archaeological museum from the Roman period; Toy Museum of Trier; StadtmuseumSimeonstift Museum; it displays a model of the city; the St. Matthias’ Abbey; St. Peter’s Fountain; the St. Gangolf’s church and much more. All these sites are well preserved and attract many tourists every year.
Why visit?
The Liebfrauenkirche is one of the earliest monuments of Germany. The solitude and serenity that one gets to experience here is available nowhere else. The tale of the fascinating times is spoken here. The intricate cultural Cathedral stands tall in the city of Trier. Joining your hands and praying to the Lord, asking for his blessings in the Church will bestow your soul with peace and happiness. If you are not the one to believe in God, then still this place is worth a visit. You can enjoy the masterpiece with its intricate sculptures and paintings.
Take in all you can, for this calm and beauty will last with you for a lifetime.
Major Attractions
- PortaNigra– It is one of the several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that is visited by millions of tourists all round the year. The work on this was started in the 20th century. It was primarily a fortified gate within the walls of the Roman Town but was later converted into a Church. Today, the stones of the monument have blackened adding a charisma and classical touch. It is definitely a sight to see.
- AulaPalatina- It is also called Konstantin-Basilika. It was built in the time of Emperor Constantine. The building has the world’s largest ancient hall that was once the Constantine’s Throne Room. The hall is 67 m long, 27 m wide and 33 m high.
- Hauptmarkt- This is the city’s beautiful market square. Here you can take a break from all your sightseeing and relax in a restaurant or café. Enjoy the scrumptious meals provided here.
- Roman Imperial Baths
- The Palace Garden
- Karl Marx House
What else is around?
- Eltz Castle
- Feller Bach
- Rhineland Museum
- KurfurstlichesPalais
- Dreikonigenhaus
With lots to explore and roam around, this place is the perfect location for anyone who wishes to escape the routine life and go out there to enjoy. You can book a trip with family and friends and enjoy exploring this great tourist location. It’s well worth paying a visit; you will not regret it!