Restoration Completed: St. Matthias Monastery's Sanctuary Now in Its Original State - St. Matthias's monastery undergoes a full facelift, reaching completion.
Renovation Completed: St. Matthias Monastery Cloister in Trier Shines Again
After years of restoration, the cloister of Trier's Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias now displays a renewed splendor. Abbot Ignatius Maaß explained during a walkthrough that fifteen years ago, the structure was in a dismal state. The aged abbot remembers the crumbling floor, the dilapidated plaster, and the makeshift roof leaks.
The comprehensive renovation, however, has yielded remarkable results. Not only the west, south, and east wings but also the north wing have been tastefully refurbished. The completed north wing design features a light steel construction and wood elements supported by majestic twin pillars, offering a refreshing and decorative appearance.
The cloister of St. Matthias holds significant historical and architectural value.Built around 1220, it is an exceptional example of France's early Gothic style, with only three buildins in the entire nation exhibiting such architecture. These are the Church of Our Lady in Trier, the Elisabeth Church in Hessian Marburg, and the cloister of Abbey of St. Matthias itself.
The Renovation Project attracted the attention of the state monument preservation due to the cloister's art historical and national importance. Citizens of Trier, too, took a keen interest, raising approximately 4.5 million euros to fund the expenses from various sources, including federal and state grants, monument preservation, and through donations.
A stroll through the renovated cloister offers an immersive journey through history. The transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles at the arches is clearly visible, and certain historical features have been left intact to preserve the cloister's legacy.
Remnants of its past as an agricultural estate can be found; for instance, a missing stone on a wall capital hints towards the presence of an installation or stable. The abbey was secularized in 1802, and the cloister was used as a farm for over a century. The Christian brotherhood returned in 1922, and a first restoration took place in the 1950s. Notable additions during this time included the capitals with biblical scenes created by Trier sculptor Willi Hahn.
The monastery in Trier's south is a unique institution. Its roots trace back to the 3rd and 4th centuries. Inside the crypt lies the relic of the apostle Matthias, the only apostle's relic found north of the Alps. Annually, the monastery attracts thousands of pilgrims, both on foot and by bus.
Brother Ignatius, the abbot, hails from Elm-Sprengen near Schwalbach in Saarland. He remarked that for centuries, the Brothers of St. Matthias have made pilgrimages to this special abbey. The remains of the apostle Matthias were discovered in 1127. He clarified that the authenticity of the relic is not being claimed, but the place serves as a veneration site for St. Matthias.
The current monastery is part of a collective community that includes five more brothers living at the monastery of Huysburg near Halberstadt, Saxony-Anhalt. The abbey is considered a peaceful sanctuary, offering respite to visitors, just as the center of a monastery is often perceived. Regular cloister Sundays are held, and guided tours and services are offered to share this tranquil and reflective space with others.
The completed renovation of the cloister will be celebrated on July 13, marking the culmination of the long restoration process. The Bishop of Germany, Georg Bätzing, has announced his attendance for the festive event, which will conclude with a procession and final blessing in the cloister.
The renovation project, taking into account the historical and national importance of the St. Matthias Monastery Cloister, has also considered implementing an employment policy to retain skilled craftsmen for potential future restorations. Meanwhile, in the spirit of preserving the monastery's essence while integrating modern elements, interior design and lifestyle modifications might be considered for certain areas within the cloister, such as the guest accommodations, providing a comfortable and enriching home-and-garden experience for visitors.
