Heilig-Rock-Kapelle - Trierer Dom

The Heilig-Rock-Kapelle is located at the eastern end of the cathedral and can be reached via pilgrim stairs .

A striking feature is the viewing opening above the portal, framed by baroque angel figures pulling aside a marble curtain. Behind this opening floats a gilded cross against a background of a starry sky, which represents the star conditions of 1 May 1974—the day the cathedral reopened after a long renovation.

The chapel itself is richly decorated with symbolism referring to the suffering and resurrection of Christ. The stucco ceiling shows God the Father with a scepter, surrounded by eight angels holding the instruments of the passion of Christ. At the altar are two angels; the left one is holding dice, a reference to the casting of lots for Jesus' robe.

The Holy Coat is housed in a brass-plated wooden shrine, which in turn is housed under a climate-controlled glass tent. This glass structure is decorated with engraved olive branches—symbols of peace and references to Christ’s agony on the Mount of Olives. Also incorporated into the glass are insects, including a butterfly as a symbol of the resurrection. These are parts of a tunic that Jesus Christ himself is said to have worn on the day he was condemned to death on the cross.

The relic itself is only rarely visible to the public. The last major Heilig-Rock-Wallfahrt took place from 13 April to 13 May 2012 and attracted approximately 545,000 pilgrims and visitors to Trier.

Willem Vandenameele