Matthias Cross (Erkelenz Cross)

Concerning the Mathias Cross, also known as the Erkelenzer Cross, Josef Hermsen writes: “As early as the Middle Ages, pilgrims from the Aachen area and from the Lower Rhine region traveled to Trier to visit the apostle tomb of St. Matthias. The pilgrimages led demonstrably through the High Fens and even today there is the "Triersche Weg" from Aachen to Trier. On this path, which for many years was part of the pilgrimage route from Erkelenz to Trier, stands the Pilgrims' Cross of the Matthias Brotherhood, a baroque stone cross. The donor of this baroque stone cross, Godfried Leers, was from 1732 to
1747 Mayor of Erkelenz with the exception of one year. It is also possible that the mayor donated the cross on the occasion of the death of a pillger at this point.”
Source: "Erkelenz, the Eifel and the Eifel Club" by Kurt Lehmkuhl

The Erkelenzer Kreuz, a hiking highlight in the Wahlerscheid area with an interesting history.

Saint Matthias, to whom the Erkelenz brotherhood dedicated this cross, is one of the twelve apostles from the closest circle of Jesus' disciples, but was not - like the others - appointed to this office by Jesus himself. After the delivery of Jesus by Judas Iscariot and the subsequent crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eleven remaining apostles prayed for the Holy Spirit and elected a new twelfth apostle. The lot fell on Matthias, as recorded in the New Testament “Acts of the Apostles” (Acts 1:15-26).
His memorial day is May 14th, in German-speaking countries February 24th. He is buried in the Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias in Trier, it is the only apostle grave north of the Alps, and a number of St. Matthias Brotherhoods (SMB) make pilgrimages there regularly.