Trier, The Oldest German City

The Mosel wine producing area is world-famous by its top-quality wines. Experiencing the wine and cultural landscapes of the Mosel River can be best felt by the charming cities around the river, by the proud castles, vineyards and idyllic meadows. This is a great place to experience pure joy and vivid atmosphere and to feel the Roman Antiquity, represented by hundreds of archeological sites along Saar and Mosel Rivers, Luxemburg and Belgium.

Near the border with Luxemburg is Trier, the oldest German city and the oldest seat of a bishop north of the Alps.

The best place to start the tour in Trier is from Porta Negra, a Unesco site. The old Roman gateway is a great historical spot and represents the Roman influence in Trier. Porta Negra is the north gate into Trier when it was a Roman city. In the Middle Ages the gate was recycled and the stones spread around but the Greek monk Simeon collected them and after his death the gate was reconstructed again.

This well-preserved piece of architecture was built around 180 A.D. and can be visited and from here visitors can enjoy lovely views towards the market center.

Iconic site of Trier.

The area around the gate is always full with people, this is definitely a nicely place to enjoy which makes you think about the past.

I enjoyed walking around the market square, a great place to shop, eat, meet people, a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the medieval feeling. One of the most significant buildings here is Steipe, used by the city council. An alley leaves into the old Jewish quarter and gives a glimpse of life in past times. There is also an interesting fountain from the 16^th century.

The beautiful market square with its lovely buildings, the obelisk and St. Gangolf Church behind.

The cathedral of Trier is also very beautiful and is overlooking the market, this is the oldest bishop’s church in Germany. The cathedral was built on the place of the former palace of Emperor Constantine the Great. The visit is for free and the gardens and the tombs are also opened for public. The cathedral is absolutely fantastic and full of history.

The oldest Gothic cathedral in Germany.

Nearby is the Basilica, the first protest church, I really liked the Constantine’s throne room, expressing the magnificent of the emperor.

Behind the Basilica is the beautiful building of the Kurfurstliches Palais, surrounded by the gorgeous, colorful park, ponds and fountains. The place is really crowded but I liked wondering around and this fantastic combination of architecture, garden and colors, make it my favorite destination in Trier.

The spectacular ornate building.

Not far away from here are the Imperial Roman baths.

The area of the baths is not big but they are still an architecture wonder and visiting them is a nice experience which gives a glimpse to the life in Roman times.

Going back to the city center, I continued my walk to the Kornmarket Square and former Imperial Post. This is a great place to sit, and enjoy the vivid atmosphere, surrounded by many restaurants and cultural buildings.

St. George’s Fountain in the center of the city looks amazing.

Karl Marx house is another attraction in the city, the exhibition reveals details of Karl Marx’s life, family, work and influence.

I continued my walk to the Mosel River and to the famous old bridge, the oldest in German. The surroundings here are very beautiful. I walked along the river and enjoyed the panoramic views.

The old Mosel cranes are very interesting to see. Through the small windows I got a glimpse of the treadmill in which people have walked to make the crane move.

As a history enthusiast I got overwhelmed by everything I saw in Trier. The city offers am unforgettable and informative journey of thousand years history. Multi-faced and exciting, Trier is truly memorable city which is worth visiting.