Zülpich

From the Irnicher Berg hill, there is a wonderful view to the north of the route of the Via Agrippa, which passes by here. Since the 12th century, the old Roman road has been used as a pilgrimage route to the tomb of St. Matthias in Trier. From the beginning, the monks of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias looked after arriving pilgrims, providing them with accommodation and hospitality.

The hill “Irnicher Berg” marks the transition between two natural areas (Cologne Bay and the foothills of the Eifel) and lies on the diocesan border between Cologne and Aachen. Due to its view, it has always served as a resting place for pilgrims and hikers.

In 2007, St. Matthias Square was created here; together with a five-metre-high basalt column made of volcanic rock, it forms an open-air chapel. The square is dedicated to deceased pilgrims, their hosts and the monks.