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Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Moselle River, Trier is the oldest city in Germany and has reputedly earned the nickname ‘Rome of the North’ because of the city’s well-preserved, still-standing Roman art and architecture, from when it was conquered by the Roman emperor Augustus during the 16th century.

It sits in a breathtaking valley and is situated in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and, which is 15 km from the border with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Trier boasts a total of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and therefore has a lot to offer–from striking Roman ruins and ancient bathhouses, across old, gothic churches and chapels, to a bustling marketplace and fine wine.

This old vineyard city is a remarkable World Heritage Site and had aged gracefully through the Roman ruins, like the popular Moselle wine that it is famous for.

Take a Tour Around the Largest Roman City Gate – Port Nigra
Port Nigra

The city of Trier has a myriad of well-preserved Roman monuments, but the most well-known one is Port Nigra, which is the Roman city gate, north of the Alps.

It is also called the ‘Black Gate,’ roughly translated from Latin and comes from being built with large, dark-colored sandstones.

The city gate dates back to 170 CE and has been remarkably preserved through the test of time, now standing as a UNESCO world heritage site.

There are two towers, and the largest tower of Port Nigra expands to four storeys, and all the floors are perfectly accessible to tourists.

It was also turned into a church in the Middle Ages when a Greek hermit sought shelter in one of its towers.

Port Nigra is undoubtedly a great place to mark the start of your time in Trier.

The architecture still stands strong, held by rusting iron clamps and the staircases give easy entry to explore all the floors.

If you visit during summers, you can also opt for a guided tour around the site and learn about it from a well-informed local!

Get Awed by the Huge Constantine Basilica

Constantine Basilica

The Constantine Basilica, also called the Aula Palatina, was built in the early 4th century and has been known for being the throne room of Emperor Constantine the Great and is the largest single room structure among the Roman ruins.

From being a grand throne room to a Protestant Church, this hall also hosts beautiful classical concerts, and you might catch one when you visit!

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The dimensions of the hall stand at a remarkable 33 meters in height and 67 meters in length, and the place has been modified and restored several times.

Constantine Basilica

Take a walk around the red-bricked building and look inside to see the oldest building to be used as a Church in all of Germany.

The Constantine Basilica is of great historical significance and is a good place to visit because it is attached to The Electoral Palace.

Explore the Electoral Place and Relax in Its Beautiful Lawn

Electoral Palace

The Electoral Palace is just a walk around the Constantine Basilica, standing on a breathtaking lawn with its impressive Rocco architecture.

The pastel-hued building of the Electoral Palace stands in stark contrast to the red-bricked Constantine Basilica and is instantly an eye-catching foundation.

The main attraction, however, is the baroque-style artistic garden that houses the Palace.

Sculptures in Electoral Palace

This garden is lined by tall hedges and dotted with a gravelly pathway.

Relax among the well-kept beautiful greenery of the lawn and marvel at the brilliant statues, which stand out against the impressive collection of seasonal plants.

The pathway of statues follows various mythological figures and cherubs with vibrant flower beds in between them.

Learn About the Rich History of Trier in the Rhineland Museum

Rhineland Museum

One of the most important archaeological museums in Germany is the Rheinische Landesmuseum or the Rhineland Museum.

Built in 1877, the artifacts in this museum expand over a history of 200,000 years from the prehistoric era to the 19th century.

Among the most interesting exhibitions is the large number of Roman Gold coins that anyone has ever seen or discovered.

The museum has over 4500 artifacts ranging from ancient burials to merchant ships’ models to beautiful roman mosaics.

Trier offers guided tours in every part of the city, and this historical site is no different.

It is a great way to learn about the region’s development through a massive timeline of eras while looking at priceless and well-preserved artifacts.

Artefacts in Rhineland Museum

Witness the Ancient Roman Bathhouses of Kaiserthermen

Imperial baths in Kaiserthermen

Nearby the Electoral Palace lies the ruins of Kaiserthermen, also known as the ‘Roman Imperial Baths.’

The origin of the baths can be traced back to the 4th century and is impressive proof of the technological advancement of the Roman Empire.

Despite the medieval times, the Imperial baths house complex, underground chambers with large hot-water baths heated by six boilers.

It is said to have a capacity of about 600 bathers.

The ruins of Kaiserthermen are the perfect place to witness and feel the excellence and superiority of the Roman settlements so many years back in history.

Kaiserthermen

Visit the Trier Amphiteatre

Trier Amphitheatre

Exploring the ruins of the great Roman Empire will hardly be considered complete without visiting the Trier Amphitheatre.

Like all great amphitheaters boasted by the ancient Romans, this, too, was used for medieval sports and performances.

The Trier Amphitheatre was built in the 3rd century and is located on Petrisberg hill, not too far from the Imperial Baths.

Although the seating was not successfully preserved, the top and underground arena are open to visitors and are definitely worth your time.

Underground arena in Trier Amphitheatre

Take a Look Inside Liebfrauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady

The Church of our Lady

The Liebfrauenkirche, or the Church of our Lady, was established in the early 13th century and is the oldest standing Gothic church in Germany.

Built completely on Roman foundations, it is a marvelous blend of architecture and sculpture- the fine craftsmanship evident in every curve and cranny of the building.

The exterior alone is replete with a beautiful courtyard and unique sculptures, and the interiors are adorned with stained glass windows that catch the light from the outside, causing the lovely hues to dance across the Church’s walls.

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It also holds 15th-century paintings, which you can admire while weaving your way through the 12 apostles on the supporting columns.

Interior of the Church of our Lady

Visit the Karl Marx House

Karl Marx House

Karl Marx, a notable German philosopher and a political theorist, was born in Trier in 1818.

His house was turned into a museum dedicated to his life and beliefs in the forms of various exhibits.

Here, you can take a look at some of his original journals, the letters he wrote, and even the old armchair where he is said to have spent his reading time!

There are other artifacts dotting the communist history and the industrial age.

This small museum also sports a lovely back garden and is worth visiting on your trip to Trier.

Wander Around the Bustling Streets of Hauptmarkt

Hauptmarkt

The Market Square in Trier, known as the Hauptmarkt, sits in the heart of the Trier old city at the convergence of six streets, all leading to different tourist spots.

This market dates back to the 10th century and has been in use since medieval times.

Lined with beautiful cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings, the vibrant market square is the perfect place to mingle with the local crowd and experience the authentic life in Trier.

Surrounded by different historical attractions on all sides, the market square is at the junction, therefore providing easy access to some interesting places worth visiting.

You can look through different local crafts, shop for souvenirs, and relax at the various cafes scattered across the area.

Visit the House of the Three Magi

House of the Three Magi

The House of the Three Magi, also called the Dreikonigenhaus, is located on one of the main shopping streets in Market Square and is very easy to spot with its beautiful Romanesque and gothic architecture.

Much of the building’s interior had been damaged in the World Wars, and therefore the exterior has only been reconstructed and preserved.

There is, however, an entrance on the ground floor that leads to a café and a bakery.

Explore the Trier Cathedral

Trier Cathedral

The Trier Cathedral, popularly known as the Trier Dom or Dom St.Peter, is one of the oldest bishop churches in Germany, dating back to the era of Constantine.

The Cathedral is one of the largest structures in Trier and is a stunning blend of Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic styles of architecture.

The site has been modified over different eras and therefore contains art and architecture, which expands over a huge timeline of 1700 years, making it a fascinating sight to behold.

In addition to that, the Trier Cathedral Treasury contains important exhibits ranging from various artworks to several holy relics.

Interior of Trier Cathedral

Catch the Breathtaking Sight of Trier From the St. Mary’s Column

St.Mary’s Column trier

The St. Mary’s Column or the Mariensaule looks down at the city of Trier from a height of 40 meters.

You can drive through the lush forest or take a hike up the winding road to reach this monument.

The St. Mary’s column can be seen from a distance in various parts of the city, but the real attraction is in climbing up the stairs of the column to catch the best view of the Trier city.

Located atop a high mountain, it offers breathtaking scenery of the city and the Moselle Valley, which is definitely worth the hike.

St.Mary’s Column trier

Take a Stroll Across the Roman Bridge

Roman Bridge in Trier

Roemerbruecke or the Roman Bridge in Trier is the oldest bridge of Germany and dates back to as early as the 2nd century.

It is built on Moselle’s beautiful, sparkling river and makes for a great relaxing stroll across the sandstone foundation.

Although the upper part has been reconstructed twice, the supporting pillars are still old Roman structures that had withstood several centuries.

The old bridge still stands as an important and well-preserved historical site and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Moselle River

Boat ride in Moselle River

Perhaps Trier’s most well-known landmark is the beautiful Moselle River, along the banks of which this historical city thrives.

Taking a boat ride across the stretch of this river is the perfect way to view the city’s stunning landscape.

The Trier Tourist Office offers various excursions to explore the river, ranging from tours around Trier to luxurious river cruises at different times of the day.

Go on a simple boat excursion across the river or indulge in an opulent moonlit dinner on an evening cruise!

Taste the Famous Riesling Wine of the Moselle Valley

Riesling white wine in Moselle Valley

The Moselle valley is famous for being home to the renowned, award-winning Riesling white wine and has large areas of vineyards with guided wine tasting tours for visitors.

You don’t necessarily have to travel towards the vineyards to get a taste of this famed wine, for the local restaurants and bars in Trier city are bustling with an abundance of varieties of wine.

Vineyards with fresh grapes in Moselle valley

Vineyards with fresh grapes in Moselle valley

In addition to the quality wine, the restaurant boasts different Roman recipes, some of which are as old as the 1st century!

The central market area is littered with other wonderful eateries and wine bars, like the 2 star Michelin restaurant and winery called Beckers, to name one.

By: travellens.co

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