Jesuit Church and Grammar School, Trier

The Jesuit Church is a Gothic church that was constructed in 1228. It was used as a monastery church of the Franciscan order through 1570. It was then used by the Jesuit order for the next 300 years.

The church is one of the oldest preserved Franciscan churches in the country. The inner courtyard has a crypt that contains the bones of Friedrich Spee, a Jesuit priest and professor in early 17th century, who was best known as a forceful opponent of witch hunting. Spee's writings helped bring an end to the witch hunting practice in Germany.

A portion of the college was eventually turned into the Friedrich-Wilhelm Grammar School. Karl Marx attended the school for five years, from 1830 to 1835. Marx received a grade point average of 2.4 in his final exam at school with 1 being the highest grade.

Today, the Jesuit Church is used as the Diocesan Theological Seminary. The courtyard is sometimes used for concerts and special events.

The grounds are open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Admission to explore the grounds is free, but there is a charge when concerts are taking place. Those hoping to see the crypt must receive a key at the gate, which is only staffed Monday through Friday.