Completely Restored: St. Matthias Monastery's Cloister Now in Prime Condition - Completely Refurbished: The Saint Matthias Monastery Gets a Remodel
Renovated Cloister of St. Matthias Monastery in Trier Shines in New Splendor
After fifteen years of extensive renovations, the cloister of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias in Trier, Germany, now radiates in new splendor. "One can only be enthusiastic," said Abbot Ignatius Maaß during a tour through the refurbished covered vaulted arcades.
Initially, only the intent to 'beautify' the monastery was in mind, but after a thorough inspection, comprehensive renovation was deemed necessary. From disrepair were the floor that crumbled, poor plaster, and a makeshift roof that leaked in the north wing.
Now, work on the west, south, east, and north wings has been completed. The north wing, especially, has been redesigned with ornate, bright, and modern features such as a lightweight steel construction and wooden elements supported by round twin pillars.
The cloister of St. Matthias holds particular art historical significance. Built around 1220, it belongs to the French early Gothic style and is nationally unique. Only three sacred buildings in Germany conform to this style: Our Lady Church in Trier, the Elisabeth Church in Hessian Marburg, and the cloister of St. Matthias.
Besides its monumental value, the cloister is cherished by the citizens of Trier. Over the years, they have raised approximately 4.5 million euros for the renovation efforts - contributed by the federal government, the state, monument preservation, the Diocese of Trier, and through donations.
As one walks through the cloister, signs of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic can be clearly seen at the arches, and historical elements have been preserved for context. Trier architect Karl Feils points out the evidence: a capital missing a large portion of stone, which likely housed a beam supporting an installation, a feeding place, or a stable.
The monastery complex initially served as a manor after secularization in 1802, and the cloister garden once housed a large manure pile. The approximately 100 years of use as an agricultural estate preserved the structure from complete destruction, though it left significant damage.
In 1922, the Benedictine monks returned to the monastery and initiated the first renovation, during which Trier sculptor Willi Hahn created impressive capitals with biblical scenes on the arches.
St. Matthias Abbey is a special monastery located in the south of Trier with a large basilica. Its history dates back to the third and fourth centuries, and it houses the grave of the apostle Matthias - the only apostle's grave north of the Alps. The abbey attracts around 4,000 to 5,000 pilgrims on foot and approximately a thousand by bus each year.
"For many centuries, the Brothers of St. Matthias have been coming on pilgrimage here," said the abbot, originally from Elm-Sprengen near Schwalbach in the Saarland. The remains of the apostle Matthias were discovered in 1127. "We're not talking about authenticity here, but rather a place of veneration of the Apostle St. Matthias," said the 67-year-old.
Currently, twelve monks live in the Abbey of St. Matthias. Together with the monastery of Huysburg near Halberstadt, they form a community, with five more brothers living there.
The monks of St. Matthias view the fully renovated cloister as a gift. "In the passage or cloister garden, there's a distinctive atmosphere that encourages reflection," said Brother Ignatius. "It serves as an oasis within a monastery." Visitors can experience this peaceful atmosphere through cloister Sundays and guided tours, with plans to further develop these offerings.
To celebrate the completion of the work, a cloister festival will take place on July 13th, with German Bishops' Conference Chairman Georg Bätzing in attendance. The event will include a festive service concluding with a procession and final blessing in the cloister.
The renovated cloister of St. Matthias Monastery in Trier, now glowing in new splendor, is not only a testament to historical craftsmanship but also a result of the community's collective effort. The generous donations from the federal government, the state, monument preservation, the Diocese of Trier, and the citizens of Trier themselves have ensured the implementation of a lifestyle-oriented home-and-garden policy for the cloister, making it a tranquil oasis for reflection and veneration.
