A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, Trier is considered home to an outstanding number of not only Roman monuments, but also architectural gems from a later period. The proximity of the city to Luxembourg and France is felt in an atmosphere atypical for Germany, in an elegant mixed cuisine, in a language. Another significant (or rather cheerful) contribution to the everyday life of Trier is made by about 18 thousand students.
According to cachedhealth, Trier was founded by the Romans under the name Augusta Treverorum in 15 BC, becoming a major capital of the Western Roman Empire by the 3rd century AD. The second heyday of the city came in the 13th century, when its archbishops acquired the power and rights of prince-electors. In the following centuries, the city fluctuated between periods of prosperity and poverty.
The city also “lit up” Karl Marx (1818-83), who lived here until the age of 17.
In addition to its monuments, museums and sights, Trier is also considered an ideal starting point for day trips along the Moselle River and in Luxembourg. In 2007, Trier and the aforementioned neighboring miniature state were honored to become the European Capital of Culture.
How to get there
Trier receives trains from Saarbrücken (20.90 EUR, 1 h 08 min) and Koblenz (25 EUR, 1 h 24 min) several times an hour. In addition, there are several trains a day to Luxembourg (20 EUR, 59 minutes).
Regional buses connect Trier with the villages of the Eifel and the Hunsrück.
Transportation
Trier has a very convenient and well-developed bus network, but the city center can be easily explored on foot. The fare for one trip / all day 2 / 5.80 EUR, you can buy tickets from the driver. The Olewig wine district can be reached by buses 6, 16 and 26.
Renting a bike in Trier is not a bad idea, especially in summer. It is easy to find an iron horse at the station, in the Radstation Bahnhof office, which is near platform 11. The cost of rent per day is 12-14 EUR. Opening hours: from May to September – daily, 9:00-18:00; October to April, Monday to Friday – 10:00-18:00, Saturday – 9:00-14:00.
Entertainment and attractions in Trier
Perhaps one of the main attractions of Trier from the time of the Romans is the legendary Black Gate (Porta Nigra). At one time, they may have been called differently, since the stone from which the gates are built is naturally white, but these days the wind and bad weather have done their dirty work, giving Porta Nigra a really almost black color. The gate is 36 meters wide, 30 meters high and 21.5 meters deep. This is the largest and best preserved gate in the entire territory of the Western Roman Empire. Their purpose – customs – was quite logical, since they stood at the entrance to the city.
The city also “lit up” Karl Marx (1818-83), who lived here until the age of 17.
The second most important building in the city is Trier Cathedral, which, along with the city’s Liebfrauenkirche church, was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1986. The cathedral was founded in 320 by St. Agritius of Trier at the request of Emperor Constantine. The interior of the temple is unique, combining Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements, giant columns, purity and harmony of vaults. Saint Helena in the 4th century brought the tunic of Christ to the cathedral, which now rests in a crystal sarcophagus. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world flock to see it every few years on Good Friday.
It is worth visiting the Constantinian Basilica, built in 310 from flat bricks. Majestic and austere simplicity, the remains of murals are her main wealth. Since the 12th century, the basilica has been used as a residence by the Bishops of Trier. And in the 17th century, the elector was built into the castle. Today, with the exception of a wooden coffered ceiling, no decorations have survived in the basilica.
It is worth talking separately about the pink Electors’ Palace, which was built in the 18th century and is decorated with pseudo-antique statues and gilding. Its architecture is quite bizarre: one wing was built in the Rococo style, the other – the Renaissance. In front of the palace there is a line of statues, carved hedges and a large pond in the garden.
Returning to the Romans and their heritage, it is worth taking a stroll east of the city center, where the ruins of the huge imperial baths of the 3rd century are located. And, finally, the Roman bridge, on which even today the road passes, the Romans approached the laying of their tracks with such high quality.
The bridge supports are made of monolithic concrete lined with stone of volcanic origin. At one time, in the 17th century, they even withstood explosive charges planted by the French army that invaded Trier.
