St. Matthias Monastery's Cloister Arcade Undergoes Complete Refurbishment - Holy St. Matthias's monastery undergoes full-scale restoration.
Renovated Cloister of St. Matthias Monastery in Trier Shines in New Splendor
The Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias in Trier has undergone extensive renovations, revealing its 800-year-old cloister in a new light. Abbot Ignatius Maaß, guiding visitors through the recently revitalized arcades, expressed his enthusiasm for the transformation.
Once in dire need of repair, the monastery had deteriorated due to aged infrastructure and a partially destroyed north wing. Aesthetic improvements initially were the intention, but a comprehensive renovation was soon deemed necessary.
The work, now completed, involved not only the restoration of the west, south, and east wings but also the redesign of the north wing, boasting a bright and decorative appearance. Utilizing a lightweight steel construction and wooden elements supported by round twin pillars, the north wing offers a striking contrast to the original structure.
Dating back to around 1220, the St. Matthias cloister is a rare example of French early Gothic artistry. It is one of only three sacred buildings in the country that exhibits this architectural style, which also includes the Church of Our Lady in Trier, the Elisabeth Church in Marburg, and the Abbey of St. Matthias itself.
Considered a national cultural monument, the renovation of the cloister was both desired by state monument preservation experts and supported financially by the people of Trier, who contributed close to 4.5 million euros over the years.
Walking through the cloister today is a journey through history—the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architectural styles is clearly visible at the arches. Certain features have been left untouched to chart the monastery's evolution. Notably, there's a capital on the wall exhibiting a large portion of the stone missing, which suggests an installation, feed trough, or stable School students used the cloister during the secularization period as an educational facility, while the complex was transformed into a farm.
This 100-year agricultural use may have caused significant damage to the buildings but also played a role in preserving them. In the 1920s, the Benedictine monks returned, and subsequent renovations have taken place, culminating in the recent transformation of the cloister.
The abbey's significance extends beyond its architectural beauty—it is linked to the Apostle Matthias, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The Apostle's relics, discovered in 1127, are enshrined in the monastery. While authenticity is debated, the abbey remains a site of great spiritual significance for pilgrims, drawing crowds numbering around 4,000 to 5,000 on foot and 1,000 by bus annually.
With its tranquil gardens and thought-provoking history, the newly renovated cloister is a place for reflection and relaxation. The monks view it as a gift that invites visitors to pause and reflect, in a sacred space distinct from the monastery's busy center.
In July, the completion of the renovations will be celebrated with a cloister festival open to all. The German Bishops' Conference chairman, Georg Bätzing, has also confirmed his attendance, making for an auspicious occasion to mark this new chapter in the monastery's long history.
In this context, the renovated cloister of St. Matthias Monastery in Trier, despite having undergone significant restoration and redesign, still preserves its historical elements, serving as a blend of interior-design with a rich lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetic. Visitors can engage in a tranquil journey through the history of the abbey, appreciating its unique combination of French early Gothic architecture, employment policy, and community policy.