St. Matthias' Abbey Church

St. Matthias’ Abbey is a Roman Catholic abbey in Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, noted for its association with the Apostle St. Matthias and its long medieval origins.

The complex includes an abbey church with a prominent altar area, a crypt containing the traditional tomb of St. Matthias, and historic monastic buildings. Visitors commonly view the crypt and the church interior and walk the cloistered areas of the monastery.

The site developed as a Benedictine monastic foundation with medieval roots and is documented from the early Middle Ages. The community and its buildings were changed during secularisation in the early 19th century and subsequently served both parish and heritage roles.

The abbey sits on a slope within the city of Trier, southeast of the city centre and within walking distance of other Roman-era and medieval sites in the city.

• Relics: Contains the tomb and relics associated with the Apostle St. Matthias, which has made the site an historic pilgrimage destination.

What to See#

• Abbey church: The abbey church that houses the principal liturgical spaces and the main altar area used for parish services.
• Crypt and tomb: A largely enclosed stone crypt beneath the church that contains the traditional tomb of the Apostle and associated reliquary display.
• Monastic complex: The adjoining monastic buildings and cloister complex which include cloistered courtyards and former domestic wings of the abbey.

The abbey is accessible by regional roads in Rhineland-Palatinate. The nearest railway towns offer connections by bus or taxi to the abbey; driving is often the quickest option and parking is usually available on site.

• Walk the abbey grounds slowly-look for medieval marginalia carved into the cloister stones.
• Check with local tourism offices for occasional guided tours; monastic sites sometimes open areas only for scheduled visits.
• Combine with a drive through the surrounding Rhineland vineyards for context about the abbey's historical economic role.