The origin of today's wine cellar of the Vereinigte Hospitien dates back to Roman times, when Trier became one of the most important cities north of the Alps in the Roman Empire. The present-day hospice complex is built on the foundation of “Horrea”, two Roman warehouses, nearby the then Roman port, from about 330 AD.
In the late seventh century, the still existing Roman masonry was rebuilt by installing a Merovingian groined vault for the first cloister of the St. Irminien ad Oeren.
The two hall-like buildings of the “Horrea” were each 70 meters long and 20 meters wide. The up to 8 meters high masonry is partly preserved. On the long sides, one above the other, two rows of blind arcades are visible, and the very well preserved Roman brick floor entrance adorns the wine cellar. In the late seventh century, the existing Roman masonry was converted to the first cloister of St. Irniminen ad Oeren by the installation of a Merovingian vault.
Today, this monumental vault, together with the Roman masonry, forms the oldest part of our wine cellar and has been completely renovated and rebuilt, which still highlights its uniqueness. Despite its very old age, the oldest wine cellar in Germany is still actively used today. Wine tastings in this historic ambience are a special and lasting experience. Since 2010, the oldest wine cellar in Germany has also been a highlight of the wine culture, certified by the German Wine Institue!