“What’s in a number?” you might ask as we stand before Kreuzwegstation II. This station is a poignant marker on a journey of faith. It is part of the Stationsweg Zum Kreuzchen. The Kreuzweg leads us up the Petrisberg. The Kreuzwegstation II is more than just a stop along the way. It’s a testament to Trier’s rich religious history.
The Kreuzweg, or Stations of the Cross, leads to the Kreuzkapelle. This path was established in the 19th century. Bishop Josef von Hommer likely initiated it. The Marianische Bürgersodalität played a role too. This path embodies a piece of Trier’s soul.
These stations have seen changes. In 1880, new Bildwerke replaced the old ones. Then again in 1925, more replacements occurred. The Trierer Bildhauer Nagel crafted reliefs. He set them in altar-like sandstone frames. These frames had giebel- or halbkreisförmigem Abschluss. Nagel also created Kriegerdenkmäler in Euren and Zewen.
The reliefs show simple figures. They almost burst from their frames. This reflects a time of confessional tension. Trier had newly become part of Prussia. The Catholic population felt unease under Protestant rule. The Kreuzweg became a public display. It was a demonstration of Catholic faith. It remains an important piece of Trier’s history.
Locals call this area “Kreuzchen”. It refers to the Stationsweg, the chapel, and the surrounding area. The original cross stood near the Martinskirche. This church was 300 meters south of here. Another cross stood where the chapel is now. This earlier cross likely gave the area its name.
The current chapel dates back to 1844. It was consecrated in 1847. A wealthy merchant donated money for its construction. The painter Lasinsky from Trier decorated it. He painted images of Helena and Kaiser Konstantin. The bishop entrusted the chapel to the Konvikt. They still care for it today.
The Stationsweg has ancient roots. In the 1880s, the Stationsbilder were renewed. In 1930, the Marianische Bürgersodalität replaced them again. The old images found a new home in Tarforst. Today, people still walk this path. Especially during Lent, they pray as their ancestors did.
In 2018, a truck heavily damaged the Torbogen. It was meticulously renovated in 2019. It stands as a renewed symbol. It marks faith and history.
Kreuzwegstation II is part of this story. It connects us to the past. It shows Trier’s enduring spirit. As we continue our journey, remember the layers of history beneath our feet. Remember the faith that shaped this path.