Heiligkreuzkapelle (Holy Cross Chapel), Trier

Heiligkreuzkapelle (Holy Cross Chapel), Trier

The Holy Cross Chapel (Heiligkreuz Chapel) in Trier stands as a historic and religious landmark in the Holy Cross (Heiligkreuz) district. Established as early as the 4th century, it is attributed to Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who resided in Trier during that time. In the 11th century, Cathedral Provost Arnulf built a Romanesque structure with a unique cross-shaped design, one of Germany's oldest in the pure cross form. Initially, each arm of the cross was of equal length, with a central octagonal tower at the intersection, accessible from the west.

Throughout history, the chapel underwent significant modifications. The west arm was extended around 1620, adding a sacristy and additional chapel space to the east. Baroque features were introduced in the 17th century, including decorative figures and furnishings. However, in 1944, World War II inflicted severe damage on the chapel, necessitating a post-war restoration completed in 1958. This effort restored the Romanesque color scheme and simplified the structure, preserving only the western extension’s altered length.

In the 1960s, a modern parish church designed by Gottfried Bohm was constructed nearby, complementing the historical site. The Holy Cross Chapel also began hosting Russian Orthodox liturgies in 2010, enriching its spiritual role in the community. Inside, it houses a unique positive organ crafted by Meyer in 1975, adding to its historical charm.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Trier. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Heiligkreuzkapelle (Holy Cross Chapel) on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Heiligkreuzkapelle (Holy Cross Chapel)
Sight Location: Trier, Germany (See walking tours in Trier)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Trier, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Trier

Create Your Own Walk in Trier

Creating your own self-guided walk in Trier is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Trier's Roman Ruins Walking Tour

Trier's Roman Ruins Walking Tour

Nowadays it sounds a bit weird that a small German town of Trier, some 20-minute drive from the Luxembourg border, was once the capital of the mighty Western Roman Empire. Still, "the second Rome", as the emperor Diocletian used to call it, today fully lives up to its former status.

Founded in 15 BC by the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus, this oldest city in Germany is a home to the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
In The Footsteps of Karl Marx

In The Footsteps of Karl Marx

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Here, the father of socialism and one of the most important philosophers of the 19th century, who, as an adult, managed to change the course of the world's history, had spent the first 17 years of...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Trier Introduction Walking Tour

Trier Introduction Walking Tour

Trier is Germany’s oldest city and features beautiful Roman ruins, impressive medieval architecture, stunning churches, and fascinating museums.

While an inscription on the famous Red House states that the city was founded 1300 years before the Romans arrived, this has never been proven. The Celtics originally founded Trier during the fourth century BC. The Romans arrived in the first century...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles