Trier

The oldest city in Germany, where the Trier witch trials of 1581 to 1593 may have killed over three hundred and fifty people.

Practised and told of here

Trier witch trialsCornelius LoosWitch trials in the early modern period

Best time: Spring to autumn.

The trials took place in the Electorate of Trier and the surrounding area, and are counted among the largest in Europe. They began after bad harvests and drove a panic across the region. Nobles, clergy and officials were among the accused, and the local scholar Cornelius Loos was imprisoned for writing against the trials.

Cornelius Loos

Loos, a Catholic priest and scholar, wrote a book arguing that confessions under torture were false. The Church forced him to retract it, and it was suppressed. His courage was noted by historians and the work survives in part.

Remembering

In recent years local groups and the city have held events to remember the victims.

Visiting

Trier has Roman monuments such as the Porta Nigra, and is a short ride from the Moselle wine villages.

A respectful visit to Trier

Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.

Porta Nigra Walk the Roman gate.
Trier Cathedral Visit one of the oldest churches in the country.
The Hauptmarkt See the main square.

About this page

Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Trier" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.

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🇩🇪 Germany and 5 moreWitch trials in the Holy Roman Empire A wave of executions across Central Europe between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries.Belief · Cursing and harm Historical

🇩🇪 GermanyTrier witch trials A series of mass executions in the Holy Roman Empire between 1581 and 1593.Belief · Cursing and harm Historical 🇳🇱 NetherlandsCornelius Loos A Catholic priest who publicly opposed the European witch trials of the late 1500s.Belief · Cursing and harm Historical

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

Witch trials in the Holy Roman Empire: Unknown author, Public domain, source