Trier, Germany - Best Things to Do in the Historic Roman City

Germany's oldest city sits on the banks of the River Mosel in the Rhineland Palatinate. Trier is a city of great importance in Roman, German and European history. It was originally known as Augusta Treverorum when the Romans inhabited the city.

Trier is famous for its remarkable Roman monuments like Porta Nigra and Trier Cathedral, which remain visitable today. These world-renowned architectural masterpieces have gained UNESCO World Heritage status and have become the backbone of Trier's booming tourism industry.

*View old town traditional architecture in Trier*

Trier's close proximity to Luxembourg, its beautiful Rhineland location, and its fascinating history make it an easy pick for anyone visiting the area. In this post, we will explore the city's Roman Heritage, medieval buildings, historic cathedral, and all the incredible sightseeing Trier offers.

Trier and its Roman Heritage

Trier was founded by Rome's first emperor, Augustus Caesar, in approximately 15 BCE and is recognized as Germany's oldest city. Trier served as a Bisphoric location where archbishops of the Roman Empire were located. The Roman Emperor Augustus and the Roman Archbishops used Trier to spread the influence of Christianity.

*Porta Nigra, an ancient Roman city gate*

The Roman Empire, mighty as it was, helped Trier develop into a city of culture and Christian heritage. Porta Nigra, the Amphitheater and the imperial Baths where the Romans relaxed are all a testimony to Trier's distinguished Roman heritage and helped the city prosper into one of the Roman Empires' most important trade cities.

The French captured the Roman-held town in 1797. In 1815 Trier was given back to Prussia (Germany). However, the French later reoccupied Trier in World War I. The city was rebuilt by Germany post World War ii in 1946 and has served as an epicentre of culture and tourism since then.

Porta Nigra

Porta Nigra, which translates to Black Gate, is an ancient city gate built in 170 CE. The sandstone gate has become one of the city's most outstanding historical landmarks. It was initially designed as one of four Roman Gates, forming a rectangular shape to guard the town of Trier.

Porta Nigra was later converted to a church before the French occupied Trier and reinstated it as a city gate. After many years of being lost in Trier's war-torn history, Porta Nigra finally became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.

Porta Nigra offers some of the most incredible ancient Roman architecture in Germany Today. Despite the gate being centuries old, its ancient architecture remains mostly intact. The interior of Porta Nigra allows visitors to view Roman Ruins, and it is well worth paying the entry to the site.

View of the old town of Trier in Germany — *View of Trier old town taken from the ancient city gate*

The Black Gate is 100 metres tall and offers impressive views of the old town of Trier whilst giving visitors an insight into ancient times and Roman Trier. The overall experience is like no other in Germany. This is one of the oldest Roman sights, so it is definitely worth visiting.

Trier Cathedral the Oldest Church in Germany

Trier Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of St Peter. The Cathedral is the oldest church in Germany and one of the best sights in Trier. Trier Cathedral survived two destructions during the 5th and 9th centuries, but some of the original Roman walls remain.

View of Trier Cathedral in the old town area — *Architecture of Trier Cathedral*

Trier Cathedral dates back to the 4th century during the Reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine. The city became one of the largest and most important cities as it was the part-time home of the Roman Empire as Emperor Constantine. The incredible Trier Cathedral and the Roman Emperor's presence made the city prosper.

*Gardens and architecture of Trier Cathedral*

The interior architecture of Trier Cathedral is just as impressive as the exterior, with its sky-high ceilings and Romanesque aesthetic. In addition, Trier Cathedral contains artworks and treasures which date back to the Roman period. The cathedral's gardens are just as magnificent as its architecture and were my favourite part of this ancient site.

The Jewish Quarter

The Judengasse is the well-preserved former Jewish Quarter of Trier that dates back to medieval times. The first records of Jewish people living in Trier were noted around the 11th century.

The Jewish community was later expelled from Trier in 1418. They were later invited back to live in the city around 1600. But after World War ii and the Holocaust, the number of Jews currently living in Trier today is few.

Today, the Jewish Quarter consists of a few small shops, cafes and buildings that were previously Jewish-owned homes or businesses. Although there is little to do in the Jewish Quarter of Trier, it is worth walking around the area to see its beautiful architecture and try some delicious Jewish food too.

The Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady or St Peter's Cathedral is known as the Liebfrauenkirche in German. It is the earliest French High Gothic style church built outside of France. The Church of Our Lady was originally built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine, although it was later decimated by the invading forces. The French rebuilt the Church of Our Lady, and it was later rebuilt several times over the years.

The Church is now well preserved, with its architecture remaining intact. It is called the double church because everything above the church's ground was destroyed in 1200. However, the lower basement still has its original Roman column foundations. It's an interesting sight with unique architecture and is definitely worth a visit, particularly if you enjoy learning more about Christianity in Europe.

Main Market Square

The Main Market Square, or the Haupmarkt, is where Trier's beautiful medieval buildings, cobblestoned streets, great shops, and restaurants are located. It is the centre of the old town and the city's most lively, bustling area.

People watching while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the old town is a great way to take a break in the city. Souvenir shops and traditional boutique stores are all around the main market square.

Night view of the Main Market Square in Trier, Germany — *Night view of the Main Market Square and old town of Trier*

This area is also the best place to find restaurants and cafes, so if you're looking for dinner after a long day of sightseeing in Trier, you'll find no shortage of options here.

Aula Palatina Constantine Basilica

The Aula Palatina is a church built by the Roman Emperor Constantine around 300 AD. The church has also been named Constantine Basilica to reflect the emperors influence on the construction of the church.

Constantine and the Roman Empire had progressed Trier and its inhabitants further into Christianity, and the Constantine Basilica greatly impacted Christianity in Germany at the time. The church is said to have the largest surviving room of any Roman Church in Germany. It is a must-visit, especially for those interested in the Roman Empire.

The Palace Garden

The Palace Garden, or Palasgarten in German, is the garden of the Electoral Palace of Trier. The Electoral Palace was previously used as a residence for Archbishops and Electorals between the 16th and 18th centuries. Although now it serves as a base for various government offices and sometimes hosts music concerts.

This beautiful pink palace has some of the most impressive gardens in the city. The gardens are a tranquil getaway from the busy town centre and other Roman heritage sites and an excellent place for a picnic.

Trier has been home to Roman Emperors, French Invaders and Jewish settlers. Seeing all this history in a tiny German city is truly amazing. Trier is so well preserved and has so much culture all in one place, making it a must-visit for anyone visiting the Rhineland Palatinate region