Liebfrauenkirche, Trier
Liebfrauenkirche, Trier
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
533 reviews
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Vadim
Murmansk, Russia34,642 contributions
May 2023 • Family
The oldest Gothic church in Germany was built in the 13th century in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral on the foundation of a previous dilapidated one. The church was built by the French masters of Champagne, the first or one of the first in Germany. This, by the way, saved the church during the occupation of Trier by Napoleon, when the latter was asked if he wanted to demolish the church built by the French. Unlike its neighbor, Liebfrauen remained purely Gothic; there are no Baroque innovations in the interior. During the August 1944 raid, the Church of the Virgin Mary received its share of bombs from the American "Flying Fortresses", which failed to bomb the factories of southern Germany and unloaded on the unprotected ancient Trier. Such barbarism in passing... The destroyed roof and interior were restored after the war, so the Pope gave the church the somewhat devalued status of a minor basilica. And in 1986, together with its large neighbor, it was included in the World Heritage List, although only its foundation is related to antiquity... We did not see the church inside, because... it was closed. Unlike a more hospitable neighbor...
Written December 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merrowmum
Guildford, UK1,373 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
What a fascinating place! Architecturally this rotunda design is so unusual. The contrast between the ancient original structure and the gorgeous post-WWII stained glass windows was lovely - the light gave a superb interior atmosphere. The windows are beautiful in of themselves. Don’t forget to stand on the star by the entrance to be able to see the medieval frescoes of the apostles all at once.
The entrance doorway is also impressive and with an interesting story of its own.
The entrance doorway is also impressive and with an interesting story of its own.
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David N
Hawthorne, CA5,332 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
This basilica shares a wall the adjoining St. Peter's Cathedral (Dom), so you might miss it if you are not expecting two separate churches. It dates back to the 13th Century and contains some lovely stained glass windows. It is definitely worth a quick look as you enjoy a walking tour through Trier. It is not as impressive as the cathedral, but it does include nice cloister grounds attached.
Written June 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wiseolly
Llandudno, UK283 contributions
Dec 2019
Rebuilt after war damage with modern touches among ancient walls. Lovely to see the light playing through the modern stained glass as with Liverpool's Catholic Cathedral. Free entry and so relaxing. Stunning complex of buildings to visit and enjoy.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly B
Iowa5,470 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Beautiful gothic church. Probably doesn’t see as many visitors as the more impressive Dom next door.
The stained glass windows were the main draw for me. Some of them are definitely unique.
I would recommend seeing the Dom first, just because this church will pale by comparison.
The stained glass windows were the main draw for me. Some of them are definitely unique.
I would recommend seeing the Dom first, just because this church will pale by comparison.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OrdomanWRC
Mexico City, Mexico62 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
Easy to miss since it is right next to the cathedral, it is a highlight of any trip to Trier. As a mexican, I have been to a LOT of catholic churches in many different styles, from many different periods, yet still found this one very pretty and photogenic. If one reads a bit about it beforehand, it becomes more interesting.
In WW2, the 13th century stained glass windows were completely destroyed, along with some of the roofs and other details. So a lot of remodelling had to be done to it in the 20th century, including completely new stained glass windows. If you pay close attention to them, you will see that they're in a completely unexpected, modern style, which nonetheless harmonizes very beautifully with the rest of the construction.
One thing you must not miss, is going through the small door that leads to the side courtyard, which is actually a burial ground for the priests. It is a peaceful, simple garden which is framed by all the surrounding buildings to great effect.
In WW2, the 13th century stained glass windows were completely destroyed, along with some of the roofs and other details. So a lot of remodelling had to be done to it in the 20th century, including completely new stained glass windows. If you pay close attention to them, you will see that they're in a completely unexpected, modern style, which nonetheless harmonizes very beautifully with the rest of the construction.
One thing you must not miss, is going through the small door that leads to the side courtyard, which is actually a burial ground for the priests. It is a peaceful, simple garden which is framed by all the surrounding buildings to great effect.
Written September 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saran_ceillier
Dublin, Ireland30 contributions
Mar 2020
A very picturesque church next to the Dom. Worth a few minutes of your time to go in and see some very nice stained glass windows
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trainbleu
Brussels, Belgium38,156 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Like the cathedral, the much smaller Liebfrauenkirche, belongs to the Unesco World Heritage. Built in the 13th century with the help of French builders and artists, it is said to be the oldest gothic church in Germany. It has an unusual cruciform ground plan forming a symbolic twelve-petal rose, with a rather squat crossing tower. Looking up at the simple but elegant vaulting is an overwhelming experience. We were less impressed by the reflections of the modern stained glass windows.
The Liebfrauenkirche was used by the members of the cathedral chapter for daily mass and as a burial church. Most of the tombs have disappeared, but the 18th century funerary monument for bishop Karl von Metternich is worth a closer look. He is presented as a semi-recumbent figure (‘demi-gisant’) with incredible fine detail. Traditionally ascribed to German sculptor Matthias Rauchmüller, scholars are now convinced the sculpture was imported from the Netherlands.
The Liebfrauenkirche was used by the members of the cathedral chapter for daily mass and as a burial church. Most of the tombs have disappeared, but the 18th century funerary monument for bishop Karl von Metternich is worth a closer look. He is presented as a semi-recumbent figure (‘demi-gisant’) with incredible fine detail. Traditionally ascribed to German sculptor Matthias Rauchmüller, scholars are now convinced the sculpture was imported from the Netherlands.
Written April 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LarsDane
Horsens, Denmark503 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
The Liebfrauenkirche is, along with the Cathedral of Magdeburg the earliest Gothic church in Germany, build in the architectural tradition of the French Gothic cathedrals. It is located next to the Trier Dom. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with other Trier attractions.
The church is build on the foundations of a previous Roman church (or maybe several) - you can see excavations going down to as early as 2nd century AD, they are, however, not open to the public.
The church has underwent several changes during the centuries, the newest are the new stained glass windows and paintings inside, as the previous were destroyed by allied bombing during WWII. The steep roof seen now is an addition - or reconstruction - is new as from 2003.
Inside the church is remarkably pure in its artistic expression, likely caused by the damages incurred by the bombing.
It is definitely worth a visit, and after this you can go directly into the church next to it - the Trier Dom or Hohe Domkirche St. Peter zu Trier. Visiting both churches makes sense, even though - despite their close proximity - have quite different history.
If you have the slightest interest in Gothic architecture, this is a must. There are many details, which removes it quite a bit from the more traditional Gothic cathedrals, most remarkable the circular form, the twelve niches, whereof eight are alters - some say it's after the rosa mystica, but who's to speculate?
recommandable!
The church is build on the foundations of a previous Roman church (or maybe several) - you can see excavations going down to as early as 2nd century AD, they are, however, not open to the public.
The church has underwent several changes during the centuries, the newest are the new stained glass windows and paintings inside, as the previous were destroyed by allied bombing during WWII. The steep roof seen now is an addition - or reconstruction - is new as from 2003.
Inside the church is remarkably pure in its artistic expression, likely caused by the damages incurred by the bombing.
It is definitely worth a visit, and after this you can go directly into the church next to it - the Trier Dom or Hohe Domkirche St. Peter zu Trier. Visiting both churches makes sense, even though - despite their close proximity - have quite different history.
If you have the slightest interest in Gothic architecture, this is a must. There are many details, which removes it quite a bit from the more traditional Gothic cathedrals, most remarkable the circular form, the twelve niches, whereof eight are alters - some say it's after the rosa mystica, but who's to speculate?
recommandable!
Written December 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gradiva
Boston1,012 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
Next to the Trierer Dom blooms its slender companion – Liebfrauenkirche, a splendid exponent of Gothic architecture, dating from 1235-1260, 800 years younger than the Dom. The interior pronounces the most eloquently the fundamental difference between Gothic and Renaissance styles – the former embodies in all parts of its architecture the dynamism of the living growth, while the latter the unity arising from self-contained building elements. The ceiling seems to grow to the sky, with rings of green foliage carved around each column. The height is not as high as in the Beauvais cathedral, although the church is reputedly modeled on one in Champagne, and the French influence is felt.
The columns are decorated with large portraits of the Saints. I have seen similar style in Treviso, in Chiesa di San Nicolo, which is comparatively gigantic, yet the column frescoes decorations are strikingly alike in character. Perhaps it was the fashion of 14th century, introduced by Tommaso di Modena. The marvelous difference in the Liebfrauenkirche is that the overall character in Trier is pure Gothic, while in Treviso it is Romanesque-Gothic.
After you have exhausted yourself with consuming enormous amounts of heavenly delights in the Dom and, it is pleasant to consume some earthy food in a biergarten /restaurant across Liebfrauenkirche - Weinstube Kesselstatt. At the time of our visit in mid-May, the weather was splendid for an outside snack, and it was marvelous to enjoy a meal gazing at the architectural wonder of Liebfrauenkirche.
A great and memorable experience.
The columns are decorated with large portraits of the Saints. I have seen similar style in Treviso, in Chiesa di San Nicolo, which is comparatively gigantic, yet the column frescoes decorations are strikingly alike in character. Perhaps it was the fashion of 14th century, introduced by Tommaso di Modena. The marvelous difference in the Liebfrauenkirche is that the overall character in Trier is pure Gothic, while in Treviso it is Romanesque-Gothic.
After you have exhausted yourself with consuming enormous amounts of heavenly delights in the Dom and, it is pleasant to consume some earthy food in a biergarten /restaurant across Liebfrauenkirche - Weinstube Kesselstatt. At the time of our visit in mid-May, the weather was splendid for an outside snack, and it was marvelous to enjoy a meal gazing at the architectural wonder of Liebfrauenkirche.
A great and memorable experience.
Written January 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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