Cathedral Trier

The Trier Cathedral is the oldest bishop's church in Germany and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the heart of the Trier Old Town, it combines Roman building remains with Romanesque and Gothic architecture – an impressive testament to nearly 1,700 years of history.

The Cathedral of St. Peter in Trier, commonly known as the Trier Cathedral, is not only a significant place of faith but also an architectural and cultural highlight of the region. Inside, visitors can experience a remarkable blend of various architectural styles and eras, all connected by a serene, spiritual atmosphere. One of the most precious treasures is the relic of the Holy Tunic, believed to be part of the robe worn by Jesus Christ. It is kept in a side chapel behind protective glass and is only publicly displayed on special occasions.

Those wishing to learn more about the history, architecture, and hidden details of the cathedral can take a guidedtour. These tours offer the opportunity to explore areas typically not open to the public, such as the crypt, the cloister, and the cathedral's treasure vault.

Outside, there is much to discover as well: In front of the cathedral stands the Domstein, a four-meter-long diorite pillar. This pillar dates back to the period after a fire in the 6th century when the original support columns were replaced. Since the 13th century, there has also been a direct passage leading to the nearby Church of Our Lady. The two churches are connected by a Gothic cloister, one of the most atmospheric areas of the entire cathedral complex.

>> Discover the most beautiful churches in Germany.

The Trier Cathedral of St. Peter is not only the oldest church in Germany but also the oldest preserved building in the country that has continuously served its original purpose as a bishop's church for over 1,700 years. Its oldest part, the so-called square building, was constructed in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine and remains the architectural heart of the cathedral to this day.

Over the centuries, the cathedral has been damaged, expanded, and rebuilt in various architectural styles that reflect the period in which they were constructed. As a result, the building combines Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements into an impressive whole—an architectural reflection of European building, art, and religious history.

The cathedral is also a significant pilgrimage site. According to tradition, St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, brought Christ's tunic, known as the Holy Robe, to Trier in the 4th century. This rarely displayed relic is kept in the cathedral and has attracted thousands of pilgrims since its first public exhibition in 1512—most recently in 2012.

Due to its historical, religious, and cultural significance, the cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986, along with the adjacent Church of Our Lady.

The Trier Cathedral is located in the heart of the Trier Old Town, directly next to the Church of Our Lady, and just a few steps from the famous Main Market Square.

For visitors arriving by car, the recommended route is via the A602, which splits off into the B49 towards the city center just before Trier. From there, it’s easy to reach the city center, where several parking garages are available—such as the Basilika Parking Garage, City Parking Garage, or Main Market Parking Garage, all within walking distance of the cathedral.

Those arriving by train can disembark at Trier Hauptbahnhof. From there, the cathedral is about a 10-minute walk. The easiest way is to follow the pedestrian zone towards Porta Nigra, then continue towards the Moselle—the path is well signposted.