According to definitionexplorer, Trier is the oldest city in Germany. Located on the Moselle, this city currently has more than a hundred thousand inhabitants and was founded in 16 BC. The city, originally called Augusta Treverorum, used to be a very important city within the Roman Empire. The combination of beautiful sights and the beautiful location within the Moselle valley make Trier a well-visited tourist destination.
Top 10 things to do in Trier
#1. Trier Cathedral
As early as 326 AD, the foundation stone for the start of Trier Cathedral was laid. The St. Peter Dom has become a beautiful building and has been on the World Heritage List since 1986. It is located on the beautiful Domfreihof in the city center near the Hauptmarkt.
#2. Porta Nigra
Between 186 and 200 AD, the city gates of the city of Trier were built of gray sandstone. Of course, some adjustments have been made over the years and some spaces have been added. The gates gave access to the northern part of the Roman city. A large part of this building was formerly used as a church. Today it is open to the public and various guided tours are given.
#3. Palace of Trier
The Palace of Trier is located next to the Roman Constantine Basilica. The palace with its beautiful green garden is located not far from Trier Cathedral. The palace, built in the Rococo style, today serves as a building for various government bodies. The garden is open to the public.
#4. Constantijn Basilica
This particularly designed basilica has fulfilled several functions over the years. It was built around 310 as a residence for princes of the Archdiocese of Trier. Later it was given the function of palace for Constantine the Great after which it served as a fortress and later as a barracks with its own church. In short, there is a large piece of history in this special building next to the Electoral Palace of Trier.
#5. Roman amphitheater
Once the Roman amphitheater of Colonia Augusta Treverorum was part of the city walls and served as an eastern gateway. Unfortunately, there is not much left of this once beautiful theater. This is due to the robbery by local citizens in the time after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. She reused many stones for the rebuilding of the city. Cellars can be found under the floor of the theater. From this came the gladiators and wild animals.
#6. Roman bridge over the Moselle
A beautiful piece of history can be found in the bridge that crosses the Moselle. The originally wooden bridge was replaced by the current bridge around the 17th century. This bridge is still based on the original bridge piers that were part of the city walls from the year 200 AD.
#7. St. Paulin Church
A truly majestic piece of Baroque architecture can be admired in the St. Paulin Church. This is an outstanding piece of architecture both inside and out. The architect Bathasar Neumann calls this one of his masterpieces. The impressive ceiling paintings are by Thomas Scheffer
#8. Hauptmarkt
The main and busiest market in Trier is the Hauptmarkt. You will find many beautiful old buildings here such as the church of St. Gangolf and the Steipe with its beautifully decorated arches. In the middle of the market is a fountain from 1595 with Saint Peter on it. With the many terraces and restaurants on this square, it is often very pleasant. The Christmas market can be found on this square every year.
#9. Kaiserthermen
South of the cathedral on Weimarer Allee are the Roman baths of Trier. The corridor system under this complex was used to heat the water and for underfloor heating. In the third layer were the baths, swimming pools and massage rooms. Unfortunately not much of this remains. Parts of the corridor system are definitely worth a visit.
#10. Rheinisches Landesmuseum
This museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in Germany. You will find a lot of history in this museum from prehistoric times to the Roman period and the Middle Ages. For example, you can admire a model of the city of Trier in Roman times. Special events are regularly organized such as culinary evenings, concerts or museum nights.
